He notes that the environmental studies also fail to examine the impacts of transmitting energy, or of the possible future use of resources being affected. Avelar says his office monitors projects from their inception, but the licence terms are too narrow: "The environmental impact study needs to be more comprehensive and strategic." Some people in industry would like the burden of cost taken off developers' shoulders.
Environmental studies 'barrier to progress'
Environmental impact studies on hydropower projects are seriously hindering progress, according to Brazil's federal prosecutor.
2 April 2009 22:00 GMT
Updated
25 November 2012 9:03 GMT
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