Brussels, 21/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - Oil companies will not be given drilling licences unless they are able to pay for any environmental damage the drilling may cause. This was demanded by the European Parliament's Environment Committee on Wednesday 19 September when by a wide majority it adopted a report by Justas Paleckis (S&D, Lithuania) (55 to 10, no abstentions) tightening up application of the “polluter pays” principle in the oil company liability scheme laid down in a draft EU regulation on safe drilling, exploring and production of oil and gas at sea, unveiled by the European Commission in October 2011 (see EUROPE 10633). The MEPs say that the granting by national authorities of licences should be subject to the existence of an “appropriate financial guarantee” from oil companies to enable them to pay for the full clean-up of polluted areas and the payment of damages in the event of damage to the environment. The MEPs say that the competent national authorities must take account of oil companies' involvement in accidents and disasters around the world and the degree to which they are open and properly deal with any damage they cause.
The Paleckis Report calls for the European Maritime Safety Agency to be given supervisory powers so that it can carry out inspections and provide technical and scientific advice to the member states and help them cope with oil slicks.
The Parliament's Environment Committee is working with the Energy Committee on the draft regulation. The Energy Committee will be examining the draft regulation on 8 October. (AN/transl.fl)