Special Statute Could Halt $6.3 Billion of Hydropower Projects in Patagonia

Members of Chile’s Chamber of Deputies this week announced a proposed special statute to protect the country’s Patagonia region from the environmental impacts of hydropower and mining projects.The special statute would allow projects to be developed only when they are compatible with the environment. It would also make it possible to stop all projects at once rather than having to oppose one project at a time.During a press conference last week, Deputy Enrique Accorsi and Senator Guido Girardi warned of the environmental risks of Energia Austral’s recently approved $733 million USD Rio Cuervo hydropower project...