Brazil’s Ibama agency has recommended denying Petrobras’ drilling license for the sensitive Foz do Amazonas region, citing insufficient environmental protection plans. President Lula has publicly criticized Ibama for delays in the approval process, adding political pressure on the agency. A final decision is awaited following Petrobras’ appeal against the initial license denial issued in May 2023.
The technical staff at Brazil’s environmental agency, Ibama, have recommended against granting Petrobras permission to drill in the environmentally delicate Foz do Amazonas region. This recommendation was confirmed by two sources who spoke to Reuters, though the final decision rests with Ibama’s President, Rodrigo Agostinho. The agency is currently experiencing pressure from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who criticized Ibama for its perceived resistance to the government’s directives regarding the drilling license.
Ibama had originally denied Petrobras’ request for an offshore drilling license in May 2023 due to significant environmental concerns. The primary reason cited for the latest recommendation was the insufficient modifications to the oil company’s contingency plan for addressing potential oil spills and their effects on local wildlife. Although Petrobras appealed the initial decision, they continue to await a definitive ruling from Ibama.
The desired drilling location is situated in Brazil’s Equatorial Margin, an area known for its promising oil prospects, which reportedly shares geological characteristics with neighboring Guyana, where Exxon Mobil is actively exploring lucrative oil fields. The decision regarding this license could have implications for both the oil industry and environmental regulations in the region.
In summary, Ibama’s technical team has made a pivotal recommendation against Petrobras’ drilling application for the Foz do Amazonas area, citing environmental concerns and lack of adequate planning for disaster mitigation. The final determination, however, is under pressure from political influences as President Lula deems Ibama’s actions as contrary to governmental interests. The ongoing situation reflects significant tensions between environmental protection and energy exploration in Brazil.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
