Brazil’s president has vetoed parts of a controversial congressional bill that sought to loosen the country’s environmental licensing rules

Lula da Silva partially vetoed a "devastation bill" passed by Congress, but Brazil still allowed weakened environmental controls

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday vetoed some provisions of a bill that would have made it easier for companies to secure environmental permits, bowing to pressure from activist groups.

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed into law a bill easing environmental licensing rules, but vetoed dozens of provisions, the executive secretary of the president's office said on Friday.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva partially vetoed a controversial law that campaigners warned would gut protections for critical ecosystems including the Amazon rainforest ahead of the country hosting the landmark UN climate conference.