I am opposed to the proposed…

I am opposed to the proposed Economic Zones Act, as environmental protection should not be sacrificed for the sake of the economy. There will be no economy to worry about once the environment has been decimated by projects enabled through an abbreviated process. The existing process and “red tape” that is so often mentioned exists for a reason. It is not just there to frustrate developers, it exists for necessary protection. The proposal to allow certain projects to be exempt from requirements under an Act, regulation, or other instrument, or for the applicability of such instruments to be modified is irresponsible. Again, such provisions are in place for a reason. Requirements such as environmental assessments are important safeguards against environmental destruction. I am extremely concerned that this administration is using the trade war to justify the removal of environmental protections. When will we stop prioritizing the economy at the expense of the environment? I do not want this Act to be approved. It is a step backwards for environmental protection. Special Economic Zones are nothing but zones in which environmental destruction is made acceptable. Projects should be required to be run through the full, unabbreviated process that exists, for the sake of the environment. “Cutting red tape” should not mean sacrificing our environment.