Environmental fines drop by 34% in first year of Bolsonaro’s government; native timber exports are authorized

According to data published by the newspaper Folha de S. Paulo, environmental fines are down by 34% during Jair Bolsonaro’s first year as a president. It’s the lowest rate since 1995. Questioned by the newspaper, the Ministry of the Environment said that “inspections are happening as usual”. Meanwhile, the government authorized, on March 4th, the export of native timber without the need of clearing from an environmental agency. The government’s authorization came after two loggers associations — who owe R$ 15 million in environmental fines — filed a complaint.