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“The Law on Protection of Atmospheric Air has been amendment for the first time since 1994. At this moment, the need for amendment is conditioned not only by international obligation, but also by the need for modernization,” the Deputy Minister of Environment Gayane Gabrielyan informed at the sitting of the Standing Committee on Territorial Administration, Local Self-Government, Agriculture and Environment Protection on October 19, presenting the amendments proposed to the draft of the above-mentioned law.

The law was thoroughly revised. A number of concepts have been added, which are used in other countries to assess air quality. Provisions related to technical regulation of emissions, accounting of emissions, distribution of powers, etc. have also been added.

The legislative package envisages administrative responsibility for burning production or consumption waste in waste management facilities or in specially designated places or in unlicensed landfills.

The legislative regulation will harmonize the standards of air quality assessment accepted in the world and currently operating in the country, in order to limit emissions and the demand for the implementation of the "best available technologies" widely used in developed countries. It will make the management of atmospheric air protection more effective, and will contribute to the proper fulfillment of the obligations stipulated by international agreements.

According to the Deputy Minister, the adoption of the package will contribute to the reduction of emissions of hazardous materials, as well as to the prevention of their harmful effects on human health and the environment, and it will ensure the safety too.

The draft law was endorsed.