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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Staff from the Ministry of Environment (MoEnv) met in Aqaba on 25 and 26 April to review proposed changes to Jordan’s Environmental Protection Law (EPL). The changes are intended to make environmental enforcement more transparent, fair, and effective; this ultimately will reduce environmental pollution and protect natural resources, especially scarce water resources. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) Water Reuse and Environmental Conservation Project (WRECP) supported the MoEnv in conducting the retreat.

Headed by his Excellency Minister of Environment Dr. Taher Shahkashir, the retreat was attended by the MoEnv Secretary General HE Eng. Ahmad Qatarneh and key staff, as well as Dr. Amer Al-Homoud of USAID. Jordanian judges and legal experts also participated and expressed their support for the changes.

Dr. Shakhashir stated, “The new EPL clarifies how the MoEnv, industry, andentities concerned with the environment will meet their shared responsibilities to protect Jordan’s environment. For example, it provides a clear process for licensing and inspection, so developers and factory owners will know exactly what is expected of them and when.”

USAID’s Dr. Al-Homouddi scussed how the US government is working with the GoJ to protect the environment in ways that support economic growth and sustainability and protect fragile natural resources, particularly water. He also said, “The new EPL provides a wider range of enforcement options,enabling the MoEnv to work cooperatively with factories and developers so they can comply with the law yet also stay in business.”

The USAID Water Reuse and Environmental Conservation Project is a five-year effort funded by USAID and implemented by AECOM. The project works with government agencies, regulators, industrial facilities, and communities throughout Jordan, assisting them in regulatory enforcement and compliance, pollution prevention, environmental management systems, industrial wastewater treatment, landfill cleanup, and wastewater reuse. USAID and the Government of Jordan have been partners in Jordan’s development for over 50 years. The United States is committed to helping Jordan reach its goal of economic prosperity for all citizens.