Decree-Law No. 496 laying down urgent measures for the reorganization of environmental checks and for the establishment of the National Agency for Environmental Protection - ANPA.

The Decree identifies scientific and administrative activities relevant to the protection of the environment. In particular, they include: (a) the promotion of research for the protection of the ecosystems against pollution; (b) the collection of data and dissemination of information; (c) the establishment of standards and limit values with regard to the quality of air, water and soil; (d) the development of scientific knowledge; (e) technical assistance in matter of prevention of disasters and environmental impact assessment, etc. The Decree concerns also the establishment of the National Agency for Environmental Protection (ANPA), in charge of providing technical assistance and coordinating all activities in matter of environmental protection.