Venezuela is pursuing a policy of trade liberalization and economic restructuring in response to the debt crisis precipitated by the collapse of oil prices in the 1980s. Potential environmental stress due to increased economic activity driven by this process and a possible free trade agreement with the United States may surpass the capability of the government to implement effective protection of natural resources. Impediments to achieve environmental protection include the predominance of political parties in the decision making process, contradictory language in existing legislation, the dilemma of utilizing natural resources for the purposes of economic development, and political instability. Opportunities for enhancing environmental protection in Venezuela are dependent upon renewed political stability and on the emergence of social forces sufficiently strong to pressure the government and thereby strengthen its will to improve environmental protection.