Act no. 17/1992 on the Environment.
Country
Type of law
Legislation
Date of original text
Date of latest amendment
Abstract
The Act sets forth basic principles of environmental protection, and the obligations of legal and natural persons in protecting and improving the environment and utilizing natural resources.
Sections 2 through 10 define principal terms, such as "environment", "ecosystem", "acceptable regional load" and "permanently sustainable development". Sections 11 through 16 set forth principles of environmental protection. These include stipulations such as "the territory must not be burdened by human activity in excess of the level of acceptable load" (i.e., the level of activity beyond which damage to the environment occurs). A public right to information about the environment and activities which could affect the environment is proclaimed, although a "special regulation" may stipulate when such a right might be restricted. Sections 17 through 19 set forth general obligations regarding environmental protection. Everyone is obligated to prevent pollution and to minimize the environmental impact of his or her activities. A general obligation to assess the environmental impact of proposed actions and to monitor ongoing actions is pronounced. Environmental impact assessment obligations are imposed in sections 20 through 23, subject to more detailed legislation to follow.
Special provisions are established for plans which, although executed in one republic may have negative environmental effects on the other (sects. 23-26). Everyone who damages the environment shall be obliged either to restore the natural functions of the damaged ecosystem, or provide some "substitute compensation", or pay money damages, to be determined by the relevant state administration. Where there is a threat of major environmental damage or where such damage has already occurred, the relevant state administrative authorities are authorized to close or restrict for up to 30 days the activity in question and to propose remedial activities.
Sections 2 through 10 define principal terms, such as "environment", "ecosystem", "acceptable regional load" and "permanently sustainable development". Sections 11 through 16 set forth principles of environmental protection. These include stipulations such as "the territory must not be burdened by human activity in excess of the level of acceptable load" (i.e., the level of activity beyond which damage to the environment occurs). A public right to information about the environment and activities which could affect the environment is proclaimed, although a "special regulation" may stipulate when such a right might be restricted. Sections 17 through 19 set forth general obligations regarding environmental protection. Everyone is obligated to prevent pollution and to minimize the environmental impact of his or her activities. A general obligation to assess the environmental impact of proposed actions and to monitor ongoing actions is pronounced. Environmental impact assessment obligations are imposed in sections 20 through 23, subject to more detailed legislation to follow.
Special provisions are established for plans which, although executed in one republic may have negative environmental effects on the other (sects. 23-26). Everyone who damages the environment shall be obliged either to restore the natural functions of the damaged ecosystem, or provide some "substitute compensation", or pay money damages, to be determined by the relevant state administration. Where there is a threat of major environmental damage or where such damage has already occurred, the relevant state administrative authorities are authorized to close or restrict for up to 30 days the activity in question and to propose remedial activities.
Attached files
Entry into force notes
This Act entered into force on 16 January 1992.
Repealed
No
Serial Imprint
Collection of Laws No. 17/1992
Source language
English
Legislation Amendment
No
Original title
Zakon o životním prostředí