Fossil Energy – Politics
New Zealand’s parliament on Thursday passed legislation to reopen the country for offshore oil and gas exploration, lifting a ban imposed by former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The law will allow companies to apply as early as September for petroleum exploration permits beyond onshore Taranaki, an energy-rich region on the country’s North Island.
Back in 2018, under Jacinda Ardern’s government, New Zealand decided to scrap new offshore oil and gas drilling. At the time, this decision reflected a clear misunderstanding of the importance of the industry and its role in energy security and economic stability.
Now, the NZ government has recognized the consequences of that approach and voted to reverse the ban.
The lesson here? Shutting down an industry without solid alternatives can do more harm than good – something communities like Aberdeen are experiencing just now.
