The Basic Environment Law_Chapter 3

Chapter 3 Environment Council etc.

Section 1
Environment Council

Article 41
(Central Environment Council)

1. There is hereby established a Central Environment Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Council" ) in the Environment Agency.

2. The Council shall be in charge of the following tasks.

  • (1) To handle the task provided for in Article 15 Paragraph 3 with regard to the Basic Environment Plan.
  • (2) To Study and discuss the basic matters with regard to environmental conservation in response to the consultation by the Prime Minister.
  • (3) To Study and discuss the important matters with regard to environmental conservation in response to the consultation by the Director General of the Environment Agency or other ministers concerned.
  • (4) In addition to the tasks referred to in preceding three subparagraphs, delegated tasks as provided for by other laws and ordinances.

3. The Council may submit its opinions to the Prime Minister, the Director General of the Environment Agency or other ministers concerned, with regard to the matters provided for in the preceding paragraph.


Article 42
(Organization of the Central Environment Council)

1. The Council shall be comprised of no more than 80 members.

2. The Council may designate special members when necessary to Study and discuss specific matters.

3. The Council members and special members shall be appointed by the Prime Minister from among academics or those having expertise or experiences with regard to environmental conservation.

4. The Council members and special members shall serve on a part-time basis.

5. Beside those provided for in the preceding paragraphs, matters necessary for the organization and administration of the Council shall be stipulated by Cabinet Order.


Article 43
(Prefectural Environment Council)

1. The prefecture shall establish a Prefectural Environment Council to study and discuss the basic matters and others with regard to environmental conservation within the prefecture's jurisdiction.

2. The matters necessary for the organization and administration of the Prefectural Environment Council shall be stipulated by prefectural ordinances.


Article 44
(Municipal Environment Council)
The municipality may establish a Municipal Environment Council, as stipulated by municipal ordinances, to study and discuss the basic matters and others with regard to environmental conservation within the area of the municipality.

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Section 2
Conference on Environmental Pollution Control

Article 45
(Establishment and Mandates)

1. There is hereby established a Conference on Environmental Pollution Control (hereinafter referred to as the " Conference") as a special organization in the Prime Minister's Office.

2. The Conference shall perform the following mandates.

  • (1) To deal with matters provided for in Article 17 Paragraph 4 with regard to the Environmental Pollution Control Program.
  • (2) In addition to the task referred to in the preceding subparagraph, to discuss the planning of basic and comprehensive policies for environmental pollution control and promote the implementation of such policies.
  • (3) In addition to the tasks referred to in preceding two subparagraphs, delegated tasks as provided for by other laws and cabinet orders.

Article 46
(Organization etc.)

1. The Conference is comprised of a chairman and Conference members.

2. The Prime Minister shall be the chairman.

3. Members shall be appointed by the Prime Minister from among the heads of the ministries and agencies concerned.

4. There shall be secretaries of the Conference.

5. Secretaries shall be appointed by the Prime Minister from among officials of the ministries and agencies concerned.

6. Secretaries shall assist the chairman and members in dealing with mandates of the Conference.

7. The administrative work of the Conference shall be handled by the Environment Agency.

8. Besides those provided for in the preceding paragraphs, matters necessary for organization and operation of the Conference shall be provided for by Cabinet Order.