Greenpeace blockade oil giant’s corporate HQ
More protests as surface after the government announced new oil and gas exploration permits this week.
A group of activists have blockaded Norwegian Oil Giant Statoll’s corporate HQ in Wellington.
This comes after 15 new oil and gas exploration permitted were granted to companies, including Chevron NZ and Statoil Exploration, in the government’s latest round of block offers earlier this week.
On Tuesday, Greenpeace protested outside Statoil’s office and members of Oil Free Wellington locked themselves together at the necks outside the government’s petroleum office in protest to the decision.
Greenpeace chief policy adviser Nathan Argent said drilling for deep sea oil is putting the environment and the economy at risk.
But Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges told NBR on Wednesday New Zealand’s level environmental safety regulations are among the best in the world.
He says in the past few years, New Zealand has actually “lifted the bar” in terms of environmental standard.
“Before drilling occurs, companies will need the high hazards unit’s approval as well as going through a rigorous environmental protection authority process.”
BusinessNZ’s manager of energy, environment and infrastructure John Carnegie, agrees saying New Zealand now has some of the most carefully considered environmental regulation in the world.
He says before the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act passed in 2012, there was limited environmental regulation but the act rectified this.
“[The act] combined with a range of other operational risk management obligations placed on the explorers, should provide New Zealanders with some comfort that careful consideration has been given to these issues.”
Earlier this week, Greenpeace is alleged to have permanently scarred the Peruvian heritage site the Nazca Line in a publicity stunt.
The Peruvian government is planning to file criminal charges against the activist group.
Jason Walls
Fri, 12 Dec 2014
Fri, 12 Dec 2014
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Greenpeace blockade oil giant’s corporate HQ
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