Environmental impact assessment of geothermal projects in Mexico

Abstract

The legal framework for environmental impact assessment in Mexico is the result of the evolution of Mexican law due to the internalization of international policies and the generation of scientific and practical knowledge, which allowed Mexican law to become increasingly strong and to consider the environmental impacts from a multidisciplinary approach. The Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) is the state company dedicated to the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Mexico. Currently, it has four geothermal fields in operation, Cerro Prieto, Los Azufres, Los Humeros and Las Tres Virgenes. These projects have been conducted in full compliance with such legislation, also the changes that have been made to them have undergone assessment by federal environmental authorities, who review laws, regulations, norms and other instruments of public policy are met. This article discusses the evolution of the Mexican environmental legal framework and its application in the development of geothermal power generation projects.