The Environmental Impact Assessment Process for Hydrocarbon Projects in Brazil and Sustainable Development
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May 12, 2026
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Allan Ingelson
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2806-4617
Flavia Vieira de Castro
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6373-1605
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2806-4617
Flavia Vieira de Castro
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6373-1605
Abstract
This article presents a critical (doctrinal) analysis of environmental impact assessment (EIA) legislation and practice surrounding the review and approval of hydrocarbon projects in Brazil in the context of sustainable development (SD). Globally, hydrocarbon exploration and production are recognized to have negative environmental impacts, and Brazil is no exception. The article investigates to what extent the Brazilian EIA system contributes to promoting the main elements of SD, such as respect for ecological integrity, meaningful stakeholder participation, and stewardship. It also examines how the social, cultural, and harmful health impacts of oil and gas exploration & production (E&P) activities could be better managed and mitigated through the EIA process. Since the adoption of the main Brazilian environmental regulatory framework for EIA through the CONAMA Resolution in 1986, there has been a general perception in the literature that EIAs are ineffective and inefficient. This article adds to the existing literature by identifying and discussing the main challenges that need to be addressed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of EIAs in Brazil related to hydrocarbon projects under a sustainable development perspective. The article concludes that the EIA system for hydrocarbon projects is limited in its ability to properly plan and mitigate the multiple adverse impacts on the environment and affected communities, resulting in the concentration of benefits of developments in big corporations and government officials.
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Keywords
EnvironmentEnvironmental impact assessmentBrazilHydrocarbonsSustainable development
References
I. Books:
Antunes, P., Proteção Ambiental nas Atividades de Exploração e Produção de Petróleo (Lumen Iuris, 2003).
Barroso, L., O Direito Constitucional e a Efetividade de Suas Normas. Limites e Possibilidades da Constituição Brasileira: (Renovar, 2000).
Carvalho, M., ‘Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental e Licenciamento Ambiental: Instrumentos da Tutela preventiva do Meio Ambiente’ in Fontenelle (ed), Temas de Direito Ambiental (Faculdade de Direito de Campos, 2006).
Couto, O., ‘Alguns Aspectos da “Lei da Transparência Ambiental” – Lei no. 10.650/2003 (ou, ainda, “Advinhe quem vem para-Jantar?”)’ in Rosado (ed), Estudos e Pareceres do Direito do Petróleo e Gás (Renovar, 2005).
Crowther, D. and Güler A., eds, The governance of risk, Developments in corporate governance and responsibility 2043-0523 v. 5 (Bingley, U.K: Emerald, 2013).
Edwards, A.R., The sustainability revolution: portrait of a paradigm shift (Gabriola, BC: New Society Publishers, 2005).
Fernandes, E., ‘Constitutional Environmental Rights in Brazil’ in Anderson and Boyle (eds)
Human Rights Approaches to Environmental Protection (Claredon Press, 1996).
Garcia F., and Rocha, H., ‘Aspectos Ambientais da Lei de Petróleo, in Moraes, Azevedo and Delmanto’ (eds), As Leis Federais mais Importantes de Proteção ao Meio Ambiente Comentadas (Renovar: 2005).
Heck, M., Licenciamento O., ‘Ambiental e as Atividades de Exploração e Produção de Petróleo e Gás Natural’ in Valois (ed), Temas de Direito do Petróleo e do Gás Natural (Lumen Iuris, 2002).
Hunter, D., Salzman, J., and Zaelke, D., International Environmental Law and Policy, 250 (New York: Foundation Press, 1998).
Martins, D., A regulação da Indústria do Petróleo (Forum, 2006). Menezello, M., Comentários à Lei do Petróleo, Lei Federal n. 9478, de 6-8-1997 (Atlas, 2000).
Milaré E.M., Direito do Ambiente: a gestão ambiental em foco: doutrina, jurisprudência, glossário, 6 ed. (São Paulo: Editora Revista dos Tribunais, 2009).
Muchlinski, P., Multinational Enterprises and the Law, 6 (Cambridge, Mass: Blackwell Publishers, 1995).
Norgaard, Richard B., ed Development Betrayed: The End of Progress and a Coevolutionary Revisioning of the Future (London, New York: Routledge, 2010).
Paulo, M., Leme, A., Direito Ambiental Brasileiro (17. ed. São Paulo: Malheiros, 2009).
Pring, G. and Noé, S.Y ‘The Emerging International Law of Public Participation Affecting Global Mining, Energy, and Resources Development’ in Donald N Zillman, Alastair R Lucas and George Pring, eds, Human Rights in Natural Resource Development: Public Participation in the Sustainable Development of Mining and Energy Resources, 38 (New York: Oxford University Press, 2002).
Rosado, M., Direito do Petróleo (Renovar, 2003).
Sánchez L.E., and Grigoletto C.D., ‘Environmental impact assessment in Brazil: a review of its rise (and fall?)’ in Handbook of environmental impact assessment (Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2022)
Sheate, W.R., Environmental Impact Assessment: Law and Policy – Making an Impact II, (London: Cameron May, 1996).
Solow, R. M., Sustainability: An Economist’s Perspective, in Economics of the Environment, 180 (Robert Stavins ed., New York: WW Norton and Company, 2012).
Springer Nature Link, “Regulation in the Region”, https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-75177-6.
Wood, C., Environmental Impact Assessment: A Comparative Review, 67 (London: Longman Scientific & Technical, 1995).
II. Articles:
Almada L.P., and Parente V., ‘Oil & Gas Industry in Brazil: A brief history and legal framework’ (2013) 1:1 Panorama of Brazilian Law.
Bache, S., ‘Are Appeals an Indicator of EIA Effectiveness? Ten Years of Theory and Practice in WA’ (1998) 5:3 Australasian Journal of Environmental Management 167.
Bezerra, L., Aspectos Jurídicos da Proteção Ambiental na Indústria de Petróleo Upstream: Panorama e Reflexões. Revista Brasileira de Direito do Petróleo (2006) 1.
Blumberg, P., ‘Accountability of Multinational Corporations: The Barriers Presented by Concepts of the Corporate Juridical Entity’ (2001) 24 Hastings International and Comparative Law Review 297.
Bragagnolo et al., ‘Streamlining or sidestepping? Political pressure to revise environmental licensing and EIA in Brazil’ (2017) 65 Environmental Impact Assessment Review.
Cleaver, F., ‘Paradoxes of Participation: Questioning Participatory Approaches to Development’ (1999) 11:4 Journal of International Development 597.
Dias et al, ‘Are Environmental Impact Assessments effectively addressing the biodiversity issues in Brazil?’ (2022) 95 Environmental Impact Assessment Review 106801.
Dias and Sanchez, ‘Deficiências na implementação de projetos submetidos à avaliação de impacto ambiental no estado de São Paulo’. Revista de Direito Ambiental’ (2001) 6:23, 163-204.
Dietz, S. & Neumayer, E., “Weak and strong sustainability in the SEEA: Concepts and measurement” (2007) 61:4 Ecological Economics 617–626, online:.
Elder, P.S. "Sustainability" McGill LJ 36 (1990): 831, 838.
Fonseca, A., ‘Weak Participation and Ideological Exemption: The Latest Stage of EIA Simplification in Brazil?’ (2023) 41:3 Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal.
Fonseca, A., Sánchez, L.E., Ribeiro, J.C.J., ‘Reforming EIA systems: A critical review of proposals in Brazil’ (2017) 62 Environmental Impact Assessment Review.
Glasson J., and Salvador, N.N.B., ‘EIA in Brazil: a procedures-practice gap. A comparative study with reference to the European Union, and especially the UK’ (2000) 20 Environmental Impact Assessment Reviews, 191.
Hartwick, J., “Intergenerational Equity and the Investing of Rents from Exhaustible Resources,” 67 American Economic Review 972 (1977).
Hediger, W., “Weak and Strong Sustainability, Environmental Conservation and Economic Growth” (2006) 19:3 Natural Resource Modeling 359–394, online:.
Ingelson, A., and Nwapi, C., ‘Environmental Impact Assessment Process for Oil, Gas and Mining Projects in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis’ (2014) 10:1 Law, Environment and Development Journal.
Lieders A., A new chapter in Brazil’s oil industry: Opening the market while protecting the environment. (Georgetown International Environmental Law Review, Spring 2001).
Moffet, J., & Bregha, F., The Role of Law Reform in the Promotion of Sustainable Development, 6 J. Environmental Law & Practice 1, 3 (1996).
Montaño, M., Utsunomiya, R., and de Souza, M.M.P., ‘Drawbacks of Social Impacts Assessment in Brazil: Is It Time for a New Approach?’ (2021) 12 Journal of Environmental Protection 1086-1101.
Ogunba, O.A., ‘EIA systems in Nigeria: evolution, current practice and shortcomings’ (2004) 24:6 Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 643.
Onwuekwe, C.B., ‘Reconciling the Scramble for Foreign Direct Investments and Environmental Prudence: A Developing Country’s Nightmare’ (2006) 7:1 Journal of World Investment & Trade 115.
Pring, G., Otto J., and Naito, K., ‘Trends in International Environmental Law Affecting the Minerals Industry’ (1999) 17 Journal of Energy and Natural Resources Law 163.
Ratner, S.R., ‘Corporations and Human Rights: A Theory of Legal Responsibility’ (2001) 111 Yale Law Journal 461.
Vigilo J.E., et al, ‘Not all glitters in the black gold: uncertainties and environmental threats of the Brazilian Pre-Salt’ (2017) 20:03 Ambient. Soc.
Vilardo C., and La Rovere E.L., ‘Multi-project environmental impact assessment: insights from offshore oil and gas development in Brazil’ (2018) 36:4 Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal at 361.
Williams, C.C. & Millington, A.C., “The diverse and contested meanings of sustainable development” (2004) 170:2 Geographical Journal 99–104, online:.
Wood, C., ‘Environmental Impact Assessment in Developing Countries: An Overview’, (2003) 25:3 International Development Planning Review [Wood, ‘EIA: An Overview’].
Zhouri, A., ‘Justiça Ambiental, diversidade cultural e accountability: Desafios para a Governança Ambiental’ (2008) 23 Revista Brasileira de Ciências Sociais.
III. CASE LAW
STJ, Special Appeal No. 1.071.741/SP, Min. Herman Benjamin, judged on 03/24/2009, published on 12/16/2010.
IV. Legislations
42 USC §§ 4321.
Complementary Law 140/2011.
CONAMA Resolution 1/86.
CONAMA Resolution 23/94.
CONAMA Resolution 237/1997.
Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil 1988.
Council Directive 85/337/EEC (1985) OJ L175/40, amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC (1997) OJ L73/5.
Declaration of the United Nations Conference on Human Environment (1972), UN Doc.A/CONF.48/14, at 2 and Corr. 1 (1972).
Federal Decree 88351 regulated the NEPA/1981.
Federal Law No. 9478/1997.
G.A. Res. 38/161, U.N. Doc. A/RES/J 8/161 (Dec. 19, 1983).
MMA Ordinance No. 422/2011
V. Websites
Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis,
Arayara, ‘Instituto Arayara takes legal action to protect submarine mountains of Fernando de Noronha from oil and gas exploration’ (17 November 2023)
Australian Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/approvals/strategic-assessments
BNN Bloomberg, “Brazil auctions off several Amazon oil sites despite environmentalists and Indigenous protests” https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/international/2025/06/18/brazil-auctions-off several-amazon-oil-sites-despite-environmentalists-and-indigenous-protests/ June 18 2025.
DLAPiper, “Environmental liability”, https://www.dlapiperrealworld.com/law/index.html?t=sale-and-purchase&s=real-estatesalesandpubliclaw&q=environmentalliability#:~:text=6%2C938/1981%2C%20the%20existenc%20of,liable%20for%20environmental%20civil%20liability.
Gabay, A., ‘Mega oil and gas auction in the Brazilian Amazon may threaten Indigenous lands’ (Mongabay, 15 December 2023)
International Trade Administration, ‘Energy Resource Guide’, (2021)
NOPSEMA, Australia’s Offshore Energy Regulator https://www.nopsema.gov.au/about
Reuters, Brazil announces new climate change pledge ahead of COP29 summit https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/brazil-announces-new-climate-change-pledge-ahead-cop29 summit-2024-11-09 09 November 2024
Senado notícias, ‘Ministro ataca parecer do Ibama sobre extração de petróleo na foz do Amazonas’ (24 May 2023),
Sustainable Development Goals, https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/.
Venditi, B., ‘The World’s Biggest Oil Producers in 2023’ (Visual Capitalist, 26 March 2024)
World Ports Org, Record level of offshore oil and gas accidents reported in Brazil, https://www.worldports.org/record-level-of-offshore-oil-and-gas-accidents-reported-in-brazil/ (April 15, 2025)
Yahoo Finance, “Tracing the history of exploration in the Brazilian pre-salt oil region” https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tracing-history-exploration-brazilian-pre-105717934 August 13 2024
VI. Other Sources
Anderson S., and Cavanagh, J., ‘Top 200: The Rise of Global Corporate Power’ (Institute for Policy Studies, 4 December 2000)
Canadian Centre for the Study of Resource Conflicts, ‘Corporate Social Responsibility: Movements and Footprints of Canadian Mining and Exploration Firms in the Developing World’(October 2009)
Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context of 25 February 1991, in force 10 September 1997 (Espoo Convention); 30 ILM 800 (1991), arts 2(6) & 4(2).
IUCN/UNEP/WWF, Caring for Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Development Living 10 (IUCN/UNEP/WWF, 1991), online: (last visited June 15, 2017).
Kloff, S., and Wicks, C., ‘Environmental management of offshore oil development and maritime oil transport’ (2004)
Ogola, P.F.A., ‘Environmental Impact Assessment General Procedures’, Paper presented at Short Course II on Surface Exploration for Geothermal Resources organized by UNU-GTP and KenGen, at Lake Naivasha, Kenya(2-17 November 2007)
Pierre A., et al., Public Participation: Best Practice Principles 4 Int’l Ass’n for Impact Assessment, Special Publication Series 1 (2006).
Translation of the Brazilian Constitution prepared by the staff of Brazilian Senate, (1994)
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Agenda 21, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (3-14 June 1992), online:.
United Nations General Assembly, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 1992), 31 ILM 874.
United Nations, World Commission on Environment and Development, Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future, U.N. Doc. A/42/427 (August 4, 1987).
U.S. Energy Information Administration, ‘Background Reference: Brazil’ (14 June 2021)
USDA Report “Sustainable Agriculture Programs in Brazil- Past Present and Future” (April 2024)
World Conservation Union, U.N. Env’t Programme & World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Development 9 (1992).
Antunes, P., Proteção Ambiental nas Atividades de Exploração e Produção de Petróleo (Lumen Iuris, 2003).
Barroso, L., O Direito Constitucional e a Efetividade de Suas Normas. Limites e Possibilidades da Constituição Brasileira: (Renovar, 2000).
Carvalho, M., ‘Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental e Licenciamento Ambiental: Instrumentos da Tutela preventiva do Meio Ambiente’ in Fontenelle (ed), Temas de Direito Ambiental (Faculdade de Direito de Campos, 2006).
Couto, O., ‘Alguns Aspectos da “Lei da Transparência Ambiental” – Lei no. 10.650/2003 (ou, ainda, “Advinhe quem vem para-Jantar?”)’ in Rosado (ed), Estudos e Pareceres do Direito do Petróleo e Gás (Renovar, 2005).
Crowther, D. and Güler A., eds, The governance of risk, Developments in corporate governance and responsibility 2043-0523 v. 5 (Bingley, U.K: Emerald, 2013).
Edwards, A.R., The sustainability revolution: portrait of a paradigm shift (Gabriola, BC: New Society Publishers, 2005).
Fernandes, E., ‘Constitutional Environmental Rights in Brazil’ in Anderson and Boyle (eds)
Human Rights Approaches to Environmental Protection (Claredon Press, 1996).
Garcia F., and Rocha, H., ‘Aspectos Ambientais da Lei de Petróleo, in Moraes, Azevedo and Delmanto’ (eds), As Leis Federais mais Importantes de Proteção ao Meio Ambiente Comentadas (Renovar: 2005).
Heck, M., Licenciamento O., ‘Ambiental e as Atividades de Exploração e Produção de Petróleo e Gás Natural’ in Valois (ed), Temas de Direito do Petróleo e do Gás Natural (Lumen Iuris, 2002).
Hunter, D., Salzman, J., and Zaelke, D., International Environmental Law and Policy, 250 (New York: Foundation Press, 1998).
Martins, D., A regulação da Indústria do Petróleo (Forum, 2006). Menezello, M., Comentários à Lei do Petróleo, Lei Federal n. 9478, de 6-8-1997 (Atlas, 2000).
Milaré E.M., Direito do Ambiente: a gestão ambiental em foco: doutrina, jurisprudência, glossário, 6 ed. (São Paulo: Editora Revista dos Tribunais, 2009).
Muchlinski, P., Multinational Enterprises and the Law, 6 (Cambridge, Mass: Blackwell Publishers, 1995).
Norgaard, Richard B., ed Development Betrayed: The End of Progress and a Coevolutionary Revisioning of the Future (London, New York: Routledge, 2010).
Paulo, M., Leme, A., Direito Ambiental Brasileiro (17. ed. São Paulo: Malheiros, 2009).
Pring, G. and Noé, S.Y ‘The Emerging International Law of Public Participation Affecting Global Mining, Energy, and Resources Development’ in Donald N Zillman, Alastair R Lucas and George Pring, eds, Human Rights in Natural Resource Development: Public Participation in the Sustainable Development of Mining and Energy Resources, 38 (New York: Oxford University Press, 2002).
Rosado, M., Direito do Petróleo (Renovar, 2003).
Sánchez L.E., and Grigoletto C.D., ‘Environmental impact assessment in Brazil: a review of its rise (and fall?)’ in Handbook of environmental impact assessment (Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2022)
Sheate, W.R., Environmental Impact Assessment: Law and Policy – Making an Impact II, (London: Cameron May, 1996).
Solow, R. M., Sustainability: An Economist’s Perspective, in Economics of the Environment, 180 (Robert Stavins ed., New York: WW Norton and Company, 2012).
Springer Nature Link, “Regulation in the Region”, https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-75177-6.
Wood, C., Environmental Impact Assessment: A Comparative Review, 67 (London: Longman Scientific & Technical, 1995).
II. Articles:
Almada L.P., and Parente V., ‘Oil & Gas Industry in Brazil: A brief history and legal framework’ (2013) 1:1 Panorama of Brazilian Law.
Bache, S., ‘Are Appeals an Indicator of EIA Effectiveness? Ten Years of Theory and Practice in WA’ (1998) 5:3 Australasian Journal of Environmental Management 167.
Bezerra, L., Aspectos Jurídicos da Proteção Ambiental na Indústria de Petróleo Upstream: Panorama e Reflexões. Revista Brasileira de Direito do Petróleo (2006) 1.
Blumberg, P., ‘Accountability of Multinational Corporations: The Barriers Presented by Concepts of the Corporate Juridical Entity’ (2001) 24 Hastings International and Comparative Law Review 297.
Bragagnolo et al., ‘Streamlining or sidestepping? Political pressure to revise environmental licensing and EIA in Brazil’ (2017) 65 Environmental Impact Assessment Review.
Cleaver, F., ‘Paradoxes of Participation: Questioning Participatory Approaches to Development’ (1999) 11:4 Journal of International Development 597.
Dias et al, ‘Are Environmental Impact Assessments effectively addressing the biodiversity issues in Brazil?’ (2022) 95 Environmental Impact Assessment Review 106801.
Dias and Sanchez, ‘Deficiências na implementação de projetos submetidos à avaliação de impacto ambiental no estado de São Paulo’. Revista de Direito Ambiental’ (2001) 6:23, 163-204.
Dietz, S. & Neumayer, E., “Weak and strong sustainability in the SEEA: Concepts and measurement” (2007) 61:4 Ecological Economics 617–626, online:
Elder, P.S. "Sustainability" McGill LJ 36 (1990): 831, 838.
Fonseca, A., ‘Weak Participation and Ideological Exemption: The Latest Stage of EIA Simplification in Brazil?’ (2023) 41:3 Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal.
Fonseca, A., Sánchez, L.E., Ribeiro, J.C.J., ‘Reforming EIA systems: A critical review of proposals in Brazil’ (2017) 62 Environmental Impact Assessment Review.
Glasson J., and Salvador, N.N.B., ‘EIA in Brazil: a procedures-practice gap. A comparative study with reference to the European Union, and especially the UK’ (2000) 20 Environmental Impact Assessment Reviews, 191.
Hartwick, J., “Intergenerational Equity and the Investing of Rents from Exhaustible Resources,” 67 American Economic Review 972 (1977).
Hediger, W., “Weak and Strong Sustainability, Environmental Conservation and Economic Growth” (2006) 19:3 Natural Resource Modeling 359–394, online:
Ingelson, A., and Nwapi, C., ‘Environmental Impact Assessment Process for Oil, Gas and Mining Projects in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis’ (2014) 10:1 Law, Environment and Development Journal.
Lieders A., A new chapter in Brazil’s oil industry: Opening the market while protecting the environment. (Georgetown International Environmental Law Review, Spring 2001).
Moffet, J., & Bregha, F., The Role of Law Reform in the Promotion of Sustainable Development, 6 J. Environmental Law & Practice 1, 3 (1996).
Montaño, M., Utsunomiya, R., and de Souza, M.M.P., ‘Drawbacks of Social Impacts Assessment in Brazil: Is It Time for a New Approach?’ (2021) 12 Journal of Environmental Protection 1086-1101.
Ogunba, O.A., ‘EIA systems in Nigeria: evolution, current practice and shortcomings’ (2004) 24:6 Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 643.
Onwuekwe, C.B., ‘Reconciling the Scramble for Foreign Direct Investments and Environmental Prudence: A Developing Country’s Nightmare’ (2006) 7:1 Journal of World Investment & Trade 115.
Pring, G., Otto J., and Naito, K., ‘Trends in International Environmental Law Affecting the Minerals Industry’ (1999) 17 Journal of Energy and Natural Resources Law 163.
Ratner, S.R., ‘Corporations and Human Rights: A Theory of Legal Responsibility’ (2001) 111 Yale Law Journal 461.
Vigilo J.E., et al, ‘Not all glitters in the black gold: uncertainties and environmental threats of the Brazilian Pre-Salt’ (2017) 20:03 Ambient. Soc.
Vilardo C., and La Rovere E.L., ‘Multi-project environmental impact assessment: insights from offshore oil and gas development in Brazil’ (2018) 36:4 Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal at 361.
Williams, C.C. & Millington, A.C., “The diverse and contested meanings of sustainable development” (2004) 170:2 Geographical Journal 99–104, online:
Wood, C., ‘Environmental Impact Assessment in Developing Countries: An Overview’, (2003) 25:3 International Development Planning Review [Wood, ‘EIA: An Overview’].
Zhouri, A., ‘Justiça Ambiental, diversidade cultural e accountability: Desafios para a Governança Ambiental’ (2008) 23 Revista Brasileira de Ciências Sociais.
III. CASE LAW
STJ, Special Appeal No. 1.071.741/SP, Min. Herman Benjamin, judged on 03/24/2009, published on 12/16/2010.
IV. Legislations
42 USC §§ 4321.
Complementary Law 140/2011.
CONAMA Resolution 1/86.
CONAMA Resolution 23/94.
CONAMA Resolution 237/1997.
Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil 1988
Council Directive 85/337/EEC (1985) OJ L175/40, amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC (1997) OJ L73/5.
Declaration of the United Nations Conference on Human Environment (1972), UN Doc.A/CONF.48/14, at 2 and Corr. 1 (1972).
Federal Decree 88351 regulated the NEPA/1981.
Federal Law No. 9478/1997.
G.A. Res. 38/161, U.N. Doc. A/RES/J 8/161 (Dec. 19, 1983).
MMA Ordinance No. 422/2011
V. Websites
Agência Nacional do Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis,
Arayara, ‘Instituto Arayara takes legal action to protect submarine mountains of Fernando de Noronha from oil and gas exploration’ (17 November 2023)
Australian Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc/approvals/strategic-assessments
BNN Bloomberg, “Brazil auctions off several Amazon oil sites despite environmentalists and Indigenous protests” https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/international/2025/06/18/brazil-auctions-off several-amazon-oil-sites-despite-environmentalists-and-indigenous-protests/ June 18 2025.
DLAPiper, “Environmental liability”, https://www.dlapiperrealworld.com/law/index.html?t=sale-and-purchase&s=real-estatesalesandpubliclaw&q=environmentalliability#:~:text=6%2C938/1981%2C%20the%20existenc%20of,liable%20for%20environmental%20civil%20liability.
Gabay, A., ‘Mega oil and gas auction in the Brazilian Amazon may threaten Indigenous lands’ (Mongabay, 15 December 2023)
International Trade Administration, ‘Energy Resource Guide’, (2021)
NOPSEMA, Australia’s Offshore Energy Regulator https://www.nopsema.gov.au/about
Reuters, Brazil announces new climate change pledge ahead of COP29 summit https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/brazil-announces-new-climate-change-pledge-ahead-cop29 summit-2024-11-09 09 November 2024
Senado notícias, ‘Ministro ataca parecer do Ibama sobre extração de petróleo na foz do Amazonas’ (24 May 2023),
Sustainable Development Goals, https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-agenda/.
Venditi, B., ‘The World’s Biggest Oil Producers in 2023’ (Visual Capitalist, 26 March 2024)
World Ports Org, Record level of offshore oil and gas accidents reported in Brazil, https://www.worldports.org/record-level-of-offshore-oil-and-gas-accidents-reported-in-brazil/ (April 15, 2025)
Yahoo Finance, “Tracing the history of exploration in the Brazilian pre-salt oil region” https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tracing-history-exploration-brazilian-pre-105717934 August 13 2024
VI. Other Sources
Anderson S., and Cavanagh, J., ‘Top 200: The Rise of Global Corporate Power’ (Institute for Policy Studies, 4 December 2000)
Canadian Centre for the Study of Resource Conflicts, ‘Corporate Social Responsibility: Movements and Footprints of Canadian Mining and Exploration Firms in the Developing World’(October 2009)
Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context of 25 February 1991, in force 10 September 1997 (Espoo Convention); 30 ILM 800 (1991), arts 2(6) & 4(2).
IUCN/UNEP/WWF, Caring for Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Development Living 10 (IUCN/UNEP/WWF, 1991), online:
Kloff, S., and Wicks, C., ‘Environmental management of offshore oil development and maritime oil transport’ (2004)
Ogola, P.F.A., ‘Environmental Impact Assessment General Procedures’, Paper presented at Short Course II on Surface Exploration for Geothermal Resources organized by UNU-GTP and KenGen, at Lake Naivasha, Kenya(2-17 November 2007)
Pierre A., et al., Public Participation: Best Practice Principles 4 Int’l Ass’n for Impact Assessment, Special Publication Series 1 (2006).
Translation of the Brazilian Constitution prepared by the staff of Brazilian Senate, (1994)
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Agenda 21, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (3-14 June 1992), online:
United Nations General Assembly, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 1992), 31 ILM 874.
United Nations, World Commission on Environment and Development, Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future, U.N. Doc. A/42/427 (August 4, 1987).
U.S. Energy Information Administration, ‘Background Reference: Brazil’ (14 June 2021)
USDA Report “Sustainable Agriculture Programs in Brazil- Past Present and Future” (April 2024)
World Conservation Union, U.N. Env’t Programme & World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Development 9 (1992).
How to Cite
Ingelson, A. ., & Castro, F. V. de . (2026). The Environmental Impact Assessment Process for Hydrocarbon Projects in Brazil and Sustainable Development. International Review of Law, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.29117/irl.2026.0351
Section
Articles in English