Italy’s Council of Ministers has approved emergency measures imposing stricter punishments for environmental crimes while allocating €15 million for remediation in the polluted “Land of Fires” region. The decree-law aims to “combat environmental offenses and restore legality to areas devastated by toxic fires and illegal waste trafficking, protecting public health and the environment.”
Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin and Deputy Minister Vannia Gava stated: “With this measure, the State raises vigilance in a tormented territory. Accelerating reclamation required harsher penalties. This decree forcefully asserts that polluters pay in full – a clear signal of the State protecting citizens and territories.”
Key provisions include:
– Arrests for serious environmental crimes like environmental disaster and illegal waste trafficking, even under “delayed in flagrante delicto” provisions
– Tougher sentences for illegal waste dumping/management, with ancillary measures including driver’s license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and removal from environmental operator registries for non-compliant firms
– Authorization to use surveillance footage against vehicle-based waste dumping
– Court-appointed administration for polluting companies, particularly those linked to organized crime
Commissioner General Giuseppe Vadalà is authorized to spend €15 million in 2025 on waste removal and initial cleanup, with funds “to be subsequently supplemented for further remediation and safety measures.”
Ruling coalition representatives welcomed the decree, particularly Campania region MPs. Fdi’s Cerreto called it “a concrete turning point strengthening state action in areas affected by toxic fires and illegal waste,” while League’s Zinzi noted “work to heal the Land of Fires continues” and praised the initial funding commitment.
The CGIL trade union expressed dissatisfaction, calling the decree insufficient. Confederational Secretary Pino Gesmundo stated: “While harsher penalties represent positive environmental justice action, the Meloni government still displays a total absence of any minimal concept of recovery and remediation policies.”