The Ministry of Ecology has approved new rules for conducting public hearings. The rules include the creation of a special section called "Public Hearings" on official websites for sharing information about public hearings related to various environmental projects.
Public hearings in the form of open meetings are conducted during strategic environmental assessments, environmental impact assessments, development of environmental protection plans, and state environmental expertise.
Initiators of public hearings must send a request letter through the information system to the relevant authorities, specifying the proposed locations, dates, and times for the hearings. The authorities then review the request and provide a response to the initiator within five working days.
Documents for public hearings are made available at least 30 days before the hearings and are accessible on official websites. The hearings are chaired by representatives of the local authorities or the state agency, with recordings conducted throughout the process.
In case of unsuccessful hearings, the reasons are announced, and a protocol is drafted with all questions, responses, and the right to appeal the decisions. Repeat hearings may be required based on feedback received.
Public discussions format can also be a mix of open meetings and video conferencing. The initiators must publish announcements in local media and provide documents for review within specified timeframes.
The outcomes of public discussions are recorded in a protocol signed by the responsible official and made available online. If necessary, further discussions may be initiated based on feedback received.
The order comes into effect on March 23, 2024.
