The ruling party obtained a majority opinion on the Glacier Law, with the Chamber of Deputies set to meet this Wednesday to vote on its approval, according to an April 7 announcement. The majority opinion gathered 37 out of 66 signatures from the plenary committees and prompted a call for a march at 5 p.m. from 9 de Julio and Avenida de Mayo.
Several political blocs, including La Libertad Avanza, deputies from PRO and UCR, as well as provincial legislators from Catamarca and Misiones, supported the majority opinion. In contrast, Unión por la Patria and Provincias Unidas signed two separate opinions in opposition. The atmosphere in committee discussions was marked by debate over how the Glacier Law should be applied and its scope.
The hearing generated criticism regarding representation. “They decided to bring only representatives and governors from mountain provinces with current or future mining development projects,” one participant said. “As if original domain established in Article 124 of the Constitution over natural resources belonged only to mountain provinces.” From the left, Myriam Bregman questioned the presence of Secretary of Mining Luis Lucero due to a criminal complaint.
The Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales reported that three days before voting in the Senate, 74.1% of ATN funds—about $20 billion pesos—were transferred, while between March 19 and March 20 another $47 billion pesos were allocated to eleven provinces.
San Juan Governor Marcelo Orrego denied that provincial leaders sought to repeal or lower standards: “We are in favor of the Glacier Law.” He also said mining creates direct and indirect jobs across various provinces such as Córdoba and Santa Fe.
Secretary Lucero commented on public perception: “They show photos of Perito Moreno glacier that no one in their right mind would touch just to say Argentines will run out of water.” He stated there are more than three thousand debris glaciers and provided figures about water flow rates and employment linked to mining activity.
National officials stressed constitutional interpretation: “Let’s not read only those articles we find convenient. A healthy environment is my daily task but so is allowing production. This law has not only halted mining production but also evaluation and study of water resources.” Three dissenting opinions were filed against changes: one by Unión por la Patria signed by all twenty-three members; another by Provincias Unidas; plus an additional dissent from Maximiliano Ferraro (Coalición Cívica).
As soon as plenary began, Ferraro criticized Secretary Lucero’s presence saying authorities had “decided to bring only representatives from mountain provinces with future mining projects or exploration.” Sabrina Selva and Romina Del Plá supported his remarks.
The draft modification for the Glacier Law is now ready for discussion this Wednesday at 3 p.m., when it will be brought before the full Chamber.
