Ibama Staff Advise Against Petrobras Drilling in Foz do Amazonas Region
Ibama’s technicians recommend denying Petrobras’ drilling request in the environmentally sensitive Foz do Amazonas region, where concerns over local wildlife protection persist. The final decision will be made by Ibama’s President amid governmental pressure for expediency. Previously, Ibama had rejected Petrobras’ license request due to environmental worries, with the matter now awaiting final resolution.
Technical personnel at Brazil’s environmental agency, Ibama, have advised against granting Petrobras the necessary authorization to conduct drilling in the ecologically sensitive Foz do Amazonas region. This recommendation has been reported by two informed sources, implying potential environmental implications. Ultimately, the decision will rest with Ibama President Rodrigo Agostinho, who faces significant pressure from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva regarding this matter.
President Lula had previously voiced criticism about Ibama’s perceived hesitance, remarking that, “Ibama is a government agency that seems to be against the government” due to its delay in approving the drilling license. The license was rejected primarily because there were insufficient modifications in the contingency plans for protecting local wildlife in the event of an oil spill.
In May 2023, Ibama had already denied Petrobras’ application for an offshore drilling license in the Foz do Amazonas region, citing environmental concerns as the underlying reason. Although Petrobras subsequently appealed the decision, a conclusive ruling from Ibama is still awaited. The targeted offshore drilling site is located within Brazil’s Equatorial Margin, a region noted for its significant oil potential, sharing geological characteristics with nearby developments in Guyana.
In conclusion, Ibama’s recommendation against Petrobras’ drilling proposal underscores ongoing environmental concerns regarding the Foz do Amazonas region. The decision is pivotal, considering the agency’s balancing act between environmental responsibilities and governmental pressures. Final judgment by Ibama is still pending, reflecting the complexities of oil exploration in ecologically rich areas.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
