Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 amending Law No. 7 of 1999 concerning the Environment.

This Decree-Law, comprising 9 articles, amends the original Law to introduce more stringent rules to address the impact of climate change and protect against pollution, as follows (i) Article 2 is amended by adding a new paragraph aimed at strengthening national capacities to address climate change, including enhancing the ability to manage its impacts, adapt to adverse effects, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; (ii) Article 19 is amended to empower the competent authority to set air pollution standards to protect public health, social well-being, and the environment, requiring all facilities in Palestine to comply, with existing facilities granted up to three years to adapt, and prohibiting violations of technical standards related to climate-induced environmental changes as well as non-compliance with regulations issued under the Law; (iii) a new Article 64 bis introduces penalties for violating Article 19, including imprisonment, fines, or either penalty; (iv) a new Article 78 bis establishes a National Climate Change Committee to monitor the implementation of the climate change convention in Palestine, with its mandate and procedures to be defined by regulation issued by the Council of Ministers; (v) Article 80 is amended to provide that the Council of Ministers issues the necessary regulations for implementing the Law, while the President issues the instructions and decisions required for its enforcement.