Kazakhstan, Astana, Feb. 11 / Trend A. Maratov /
Kazakhstan will toughen criminal penalties for environmental crimes, Environment Minister Nurgali Ashimov said.
"Over the last five years, despite many flagrant violations of environmental law, none of the perpetrators were prosecuted. The law allows criminals to escape punishment," he said.
Ashimov recently presented a bill on a mendments and changes to legislative acts on environmental issues.
He said the current criminal provisions are ineffective and do not meet today's environmental threats.
The new amendments are also aimed at reducing greenhouse gase emissions.
The emissions from the energy sector account for about 214 million tons, or 90 percent of the total volume.
The quotas on greenhouse gas emissions will be issued on the basis of the National Allocation Plan approved by the Kazakh government.
"These companies will be able to implement projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, " Ashimov said.