Basic Act on the Environment, Act No. 91 of 1993 (Japan)
The Law lays down the responsibilities of the State, local governments, business operators and citizens towards environmental conservation. It mandates the Minister of the Environment to draft the Basic Environmental Plan which shall promote the policies for environmental conservation.
The Law enumerates the policies of environmental conservation which include:
- Environmental pollution control
- Assessments of the environmental impact of certain businesses
- Regulatory measures to support environmental conservation
- Promotion of environmental education and learning, among others
It requires that the State shall establish measures to implement mediation, arbitration or other means to settle disputes over environmental pollution. The Law also established the Central Council for the Environment and Conference on Environmental Pollution Control.