The Ak Zhol faction refused to support the environmental bill in its first reading due to amendments concerning the procedure for environmental control and inspections of entrepreneurs. Discussion of the document in the Majilis was accompanied by a heated debate between deputies Azat Peruashev and Yedil Zhanbyrshin.
WHY THE DISPUTE AROSE
According to BES.media, Azat Peruashev stated that the faction supports a number of the bill's environmental initiatives, but opposes the provisions to remove environmental control from Article 129 of the Entrepreneurship Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In his opinion, such changes could increase the administrative burden on businesses and disrupt the balance between inspection bodies and entrepreneurs.
The deputy noted that small and medium-sized businesses, which do not have the same legal protection resources as large companies, could be particularly vulnerable.
Peruashev also referred to the address by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which spoke about protecting businesses from excessive inspections and introducing a register of mandatory requirements.
WHAT ZHANBYRSHIN REPLIED
Yedil Zhanbyrshin stated that the contentious provision was proposed during the work on the bill by deputies of the working group. According to him, the document will still be refined ahead of the second reading.
He emphasised that the state's priorities remain environmental protection and the health of citizens. Zhanbyrshin stated that the changes are necessary for a more prompt response to environmental accidents and violations.
WHY THE CHANGES ARE PROPOSED
According to the deputy, current procedures can hinder the rapid response of inspectors in emergency situations. Zhanbyrshin noted that the amendments are primarily aimed at enterprises in Categories I and II, which have the greatest impact on the environment. He said that small and medium-sized businesses falling under Categories III and IV operate under declarations or are exempt from some regulations.
At the same time, Peruashev stated that the proposed provisions contain no distinction based on business size, meaning their effect could be applied to all entrepreneurs.
HOW THE DISCUSSION ENDED
During the debate, the Chairman of the Majilis, Yerlan Koshanov, spoke, urging deputies to adhere to the regulations and refrain from personal attacks.
"One deputy making comments to another and calling him a lobbyist or something else, as I see it, is not in line with the regulations," Yerlan Koshanov said.
After the exchange of views, Peruashev and Zhanbyrshin agreed that the contentious provisions need to be further discussed before the second reading of the bill.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE BILL
Earlier, the Majilis approved the draft law in the first reading. 66 deputies voted in favour, four voted against, and 14 abstained.
The document includes amendments concerning environmental control, the digitalisation of environmental data, the elimination of unauthorised landfills, waste removal tariffs, the activities of Kazhydromet, and other environmental regulatory mechanisms.