Changes in Environmental Legislation in the Russian Federation during COVID-19

This review, available in Russian and carried out by the NGO Eco-SPES, provides official statistical information on incidence of COVID-19 cases in the Russian Federation in 2020 and excess mortality figures, including data from independent researchers.

Several sections of the review contain information on development of environmental legislation in Russia in the 20th - early 21st century, including legislation on matters of environmental expert appraisals, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and management of production and consumption waste.

Additionally, a substantial part of the review is dedicated to changes in environmental legislation of the Russian Federation in 2020, such as changes in the procedure for assessing impacts of planned economic and other activities on the environment in the Russian Federation, changes in provisions of the Federal Law on Production and Consumption Waste, and equating incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) to waste utilization.

It also presents information on public participation in discussions on objects of the state environmental expert appraisals. It is emphasized that in 2020, Russia temporarily introduced a remote access procedure for participation of citizens and the general public in discussions on objects of the state environmental appraisal and materials of environmental impact assessment (EIA) of economic and other activities. The review examines the situation with infringements of citizens' rights to information on the state of the environment and in connection with environmental expert appraisal of industrial facilities for disposal of waste of 1st and 2nd hazard classes in 4 regions of the Russian Federation.

Finally, the review provides analysis of changes in the Urban Development Code of the Russian Federation intended to ensure integrated territorial development. It is emphasized that - in addition to seizure of houses and land plots from their owners - these changes can also lead to possible reduction of existing forested park areas and water protection zones.

This project relates to Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, 9 and 10.

Special thanks to IPEN's EECCA Regional Coordinator Olga Speranskaya and EECCA Regional Hub Eco-Accord for their important contributions to the development and finalization of the project.