On April 13, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted draft law No. 2339 “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine for the Purpose of Environmental Protection” (regarding increased liability for actions aimed at air pollution and the destruction or damage of plant life objects).

This draft law provides, in particular:

– amending Article 241 (Air pollution) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine in the part of Ukraine in terms of establishing sanctions in the form of fines from UAH 30,600 to UAH 61,200 or restriction of freedom for a period of up to three years, with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for the same period or without it;

– amending Article 245 (Destruction or damage to plant life) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine in terms of establishing sanctions in the form of fines from UAH 91,800 to UAH 153,000 or restriction of liberty for a period of two to five years, or deprivation of liberty for the same period;

– amendments to Article 77-1 (Arbitrary burning of vegetation or its remains) provide for the amount of fines:

for burning stubble, meadows, pastures, areas with steppe, wetland and other natural vegetation, etc. on the side of highways and railways, in parks, etc. in populated areas without observing the procedure established by the central executive body, which ensures the formation of state policy in the field of environmental protection, entails the imposition of a fine:

– for citizens from UAH 3,060 to UAH 6,120

– for officials – from UAH 15,300 to UAH 21,420

Source: www.menr.gov.ua