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

Dubbed the "Devastation Bill" by environmentalists, the motion approved by Congress and backed by Brazil's powerful agribusiness community significantly weakens environmental controls in licensing processes, giving states and municipalities more power to issue licenses for new business developments.

Lula approved the controversial bill easing environmental licensing rules, but struck down or altered 63 articles.

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.

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.