The House’s meeting chaired by the Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev was held.
Senators passed the amended Environmental Code in two readings. The document provides harsher punishment of industrial facilities for environmental pollution. Now they are obliged to fully compensate for environmental damage. Also they are required to adopt the advanced technologies to reduce environmental emissions.
“The draft new Environmental Code is developed at the instruction of the Head of State. Given the best international practices, “the polluter shall pay and remedy” principle is introduced. Therefore, the environmental damage will have to be compensated by enterprises on a compulsory basis. Now it is easier for them to pay fines and continue pollution”, - Maulen Ashimbayev noted.
According to the Senate Speaker, the redrafted Environmental Code will establish real incentives for enterprises to reduce pollutant emissions, invest in environmental protection measures.
The senators also considered related draft laws - the Law “On amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of environment” and “On amendments and additions to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on administrative offenses in the field of environment”. In general, according to senators, the amendments will harsher punishment for the breach of environmental legislation.
“Under the instructions of the Head of State, the punishment for unlawful tree felling will be toughened. The senators have worked out relevant regulations and introduced them into the draft law. Thus, administrative fines for felling of trees are 5 times increased on average”, - the Senate Chair said.
Maulen Ashimbayev added that criminal liability will be applied for damages exceeding 100 MCI. The amendments suggest different degrees of responsibility for tree felling.
“If the felling took place in specially protected natural areas or repeatedly during the year, then a fine of 150 MCI is provided for individuals, 450 MCI - for small enterprises and non-profit organizations, 1500 MCI - for large entrepreneurs”, - the Senate Speaker clarified.
The related draft laws amended by the senators were returned to the Mazhilis.
Today the Senate deputies adopted the draft law “On amendments and additions to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On taxes and other obligatory payments to the budget” and “On enforcement of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On taxes and other obligatory payments to the budget” in the field of environment”.
The senators also refined the draft law “On amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on economic growth restoration”. It will stimulate a number of economic sectors during the pandemic, in particular, it provides specific measures to support the population and businesses.
“Under the instruction of the Head of State, the right of citizens to use part of their pension savings to resolve housing issues and pay for medical care is established. In addition, it is envisaged to maintain a register of business partners, which will enable entrepreneurs to determine the reliability of their counterparties and reduce risks in their activities”, - Maulen Ashimbayev said.
The Senate Speaker noted that “Government for business” service is provided based on a “one-stop-shop” principle. Also, the draft law provides tougher requirements to microfinance organizations and their managers. This will protect the interests of borrowers and ensure stability in the financial market. The Senators refined the draft Law and returned it to the Mazhilis.
The amended draft law “On amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the field of information” was also returned to the Mazhilis. Senators proposed to retain the current ban on advertising of beer trademarks and names.
