April 9 (UPI) -- Argentina's Chamber of Deputies approved Thursday a reform of the Glacier Law that loosens environmental protections and allows new mining and hydrocarbon activities in previously restricted areas, the Office of the President of Argentina said.
With 137 votes in favor, 111 against and 3 abstentions, the initiative received final approval after a debate marked by tensions between those promoting investment to boost the economy and those warning of environmental risks.
The reform previously passed the Senate.
Argentina had been among the countries with the most restrictive glacier protection frameworks in the region under the previous law, enacted in 2010 during the administration of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.
That legislation established broad protection over glaciers and periglacial zones, considered strategic freshwater reserves, and prohibited extractive activities and any intervention that could affect their natural function.
