Petition Mandatory EIAs for all Onshore Hydrocarbon Sites

We petition that ALL onshore gas/oil exploration sites have mandatory EIAs.

It is argued that EIAs are unnecessary for exploration as most of this is laboratory based. We disagree; when drilling commences a risk of pollution & damage exists.

EIAs will not undermine the commercial viability of this industry. In the EU, EIA costs typically account for less than 1% of the overall investments.

Mandatory EIAs will provide local people & authorities with the necessary baseline data in areas with drilling, increase the preparedness among agencies & local authorities & offer local communities an opportunity to be consulted early in the process.

EIAs will not be a miracle cure to bring about the ‘social license to operate’ for the industry. However, the Government & the fossil fuel industry should be aware that NOT including EIAs in the regulatory process will further galvanize local opposition to these activities.