# Environmental regulatory reforms in South America > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-regulatory-reforms-in-south-america > Updated: 2026-10-14T20:53:56.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. In Peru and Colombia, legislative and regulatory efforts are underway to modify environmental protection and licensing frameworks. In Peru, the Colegio de Biólogos del Perú has opposed a proposal to amend the Law of Natural Protected Areas, which would permit hydrocarbon activities in protected zones. Critics warn this could threaten biodiversity and indigenous populations. In Colombia, the government has introduced measures to accelerate environmental licensing for infrastructure and energy projects. Initial proposals sought to allow community consultations to run parallel to licensing processes to reduce administrative timelines. Subsequent developments indicate a broader reform strategy, including the restructuring of the 33 Regional Autonomous Corporations to improve response times and a plan to redirect 100% of carbon tax revenue toward reforestation and ecological restoration. Concurrently, Chile reported record quarterly investment approvals totaling US$19.514 billion, primarily within the energy, real estate, and sanitation sectors. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-14: Environmental licensing developments in Chile and Colombia Chile reports record quarterly environmental investment approvals of US$19.514 billion, while Colombia proposes reforms to streamline environmental licensing and carbon tax structures. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-licensing-developments-in-chile-and-colombia ### 2026-10-09: Environmental policy shifts under debate in Peru and Colombia Peru's biologists warn against legislative changes allowing hydrocarbon activities in protected areas, while Colombia proposes simultaneous environmental licensing and indigenous consultations to speed up major 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/environmental-policy-shifts-under-debate-in-peru-and-colombia --- Cite as: Environmental regulatory reforms in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/environmental-regulatory-reforms-in-south-america