The National Environmental Policy (NEP), established by Law n. 6.938/81, marked a watershed in Brazil’s environmental legislation, transitioning from fragmented initiatives to a systematic framework for protecting nature. It aims to balance environmental preservation, socioeconomic development, and human dignity. Key provisions define terms like pollution and environmental degradation, establish liabilities, and introduce mechanisms like environmental licensing and the Environmental Control and Inspection Fee. At the core of NEP is the National Environmental System (SISNAMA), comprising federal, state, and local agencies. This hierarchy includes the Government Council, the consultative CONAMA (National Council for the Environment), and enforcement bodies. Each entity performs distinct roles, from policy guidance to law enforcement. CONAMA, while limited to rulemaking, bridges legislative gaps by issuing technical standards crucial to environmental governance, although its scope remains contested. Regulatory duties extend to other bodies, such as regulatory agencies, demonstrating SISNAMA’s flexible, open structure. These entities coordinate to enforce environmental laws, fostering a collaborative yet decentralized approach that reflects the complexity of Brazil’s ecological and administrative landscapes. This legal mosaic highlights both progress and ongoing debates over authority, deregulation, and public participation in safeguarding Brazil’s environment.