SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ENVIRONMENTAL-PROTECTION LAW

The Environmental Protection Law has been described as Russia's ecological code. It is a body of general principles which will guide the development of more specific laws to fill gaps left by the collapse of the Soviet Union. The article examines sections in detail including the laws objectives, the rights and responsibilities of the citizen, the financing behind environment protection and environmental monitoring and punishment for damages. The authors applaud the general principles of the law but express reservations in specific areas. They are also concerned that the law represents Russian environmental thinking rather than being a blueprint for actual policy. -C.Mailey