Brazil’s lower house passes bill contested by conservation groups

Brazil’s environmental record is under intense scrutiny amid soaring deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.

Brazil’s lower house of Congress has approved a bill fiercely contested by environmental groups to loosen licensing requirements for infrastructure, mining, agriculture and other projects. The move drew criticism from conservation groups at a time when Brazil’s environmental record is under intense scrutiny as deforestation in the Amazon rainforest soars. US President Joe Biden’s administration is in talks with Brazil to possibly fund conservation efforts, but has demanded that the country first show results in reining in destruction.