Attempting to show it is serious about environmental protection, Venezuela is putting the finishing touches on new toxic-waste legislation and considering an array of other green measures. The National Assembly’s Environment Commission produced a first draft of the toxic-waste bill without consulting the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry (Marn) or outside interest groups. But since then, stakeholders have had a say, and Norberto Rebolledo, Marn’s environmental-quality manager, asserts the views of all sides were incorporated into the final legislation. Environmental advocates here praise the measure. But they express skepticism it will bring change, citing Venezuela’s history of lax environmental-law enforcement. “We are in favor of the bill and congratulate the government on the initiative, but if the law is not enforced... [Log in to read more]