RIGA, March 18 (LETA) - The final decision on authorizing various construction and development projects after their environmental impact assessment could be taken by the Energy and Environment Ministry in the future, not by local governments, as the ministry does not represent interests of any individual municipality.

This according to amendments to the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment, drafted by the Climate and Energy Ministry, which were supported in principle on Tuesday by the relevant Cabinet of Ministers committee chaired by Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).

Currently the law stipulates that, after comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact assessment report, opinion of a local government and the public and taking into account the opinion of the competent authority on the report, the relevant state authority, local government, or another authority specified in law takes the decision to accept or not accept an intended activity in accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and regulations.

Judging from the amendments, the Energy and Environment Ministry will be in charge of taking these decisions.

The amendments also specify environmental impact thresholds.

These are important changes to improve and facilitate real estate development procedures in practice, reducing bureaucracy where possible, said Silina.