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Brazilians protest proposal to ease environmental laws

A proposal to ease environmental laws in Brazil is under fire from those who believe it would increase deforestation in the Amazon.

 Brazilian authorities say about 1,000 people recently gathered in Sao Paulo to protest against the environmental law changes being considered in Brazil’s congress.

The legislation would ease environmental laws in favor of Brazilian farmers who are seeking more space to raise cattle.  Farmers are supporting a bill that would let them clear half the land on their properties in environmentally sensitive areas.  Current law allows farmers to clear just 20 percent  of their land in the Amazon zone. 

The protestors want revisions in the legislation to protect the rain forest.