The Environmental Protection Law (Prawo ochrony środowiska) of 27 April 2001 is Poland’s core statute regulating environmental protection. It sets out the principles, objectives and basic obligations for safeguarding the environment, including protecting air, water, soil, plants and animals, preventing and limiting pollution, ensuring sustainable use of natural resources, and establishing the framework for environmental decision‑making and permits (such as integrated environmental permits for industrial installations, emissions control, and ecological reviews). The law also defines duties for individuals and businesses using the environment, obligations for public authorities, economic instruments like fees and penalties, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Its provisions help implement both national policy and EU environmental directives.
The Act of 7 November 2025 amending the Environmental Protection Law and certain other acts updated this framework by extending the duration of certain transitional provisions until 31 December 2026.
