Six more years!! Six more years!!

Things are looking up for the Tribunal Ambiental Administrativo — Costa Rica’s Environmental Criminal Court.

The Costa Rican Congress wants to expand the TAA’s powers to shut down polluters for up to three years with no possibility for parole.  An eco-court with bite — I like that.

They also want to extend contracts for the Court’s judges to six years. I think that is absolutely critical for sound environmental policy. Costa Rica is going to need savvy people who have the longevity to see the changes happening in their country and understand how bureaucracy works. That takes lots of skill…and lots of time.

The court has been around since 1996 and by most accounts, it’s just beginning to hit its stride. If Estaban Mata’s article in La Nación has any veracity, this will be an excellent thing for the Costa Rica. I’ll keep you posted.