October 2018

'Energy Voices' campaign launched to fight oil and gas changes

PEPANZ has launched a major new public campaign 'Energy Voices' to give voice to concerns over the end to new offshore oil and gas exploration permits.

"This policy will have far-reaching consequences but the people most affected haven’t had a say in the decision. We want to give those people a voice," says Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ) CEO Cameron Madgwick.

The campaign is based around the website www.energyvoices.nz, the Facebook page and Twitter. It has a strong initial focus on encouraging people to make a submission on the proposed legislative changes with submissions due by Thursday 11 October.

We are urging everyone to make a submission which is quick and easy to do online via the Energy Voices website. 

Government officials say oil and gas policy will cost billions and increase emissions

Official advice has warned the Government that ending new offshore oil and gas exploration could cost $7.9 billion in Crown revenue and is more likely to increase emissions.

The advice is contained in the Regulatory Impact Statement which was prepared by officials at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and released last week.

The Government has also decided to speed up the legislative process, giving just four weeks for the Environment Select Committee to consider the Crown Minerals (Petroleum) Amendment Bill instead of the usual four to six months.

PEPANZ has argued strongly against the bill and the reduced time for public submissions. We have also asked for any public hearings to be held in Taranaki, but so far this has been refused. 

PEPANZ submissions on ETS and decommissioning

PEPANZ has made submissions on behalf of members on two recent important bills: improvements to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and decommissioning under the EEZ Act.  

Our submission supports the ETS but considers competitiveness and carbon leakage are critical factors to be considered, reinforcing the need for climate action to be coordinated amongst trade partners. Otherwise production can shift to nations with poorer standards, a 'lose-lose' outcome for the environment and economy.

For decommissioning, we support the overall framework but are concerned there is no clear scope or definition of 'decommissioning'. This is critical because all decommissioning-related activities require a consent, and the lack of a clear definition will create uncertainty.

Historic oil and gas material

A generous donor has delivered a treasure trove of historic oil and gas material to the PEPANZ office in Wellington.

The donated material includes newspaper clippings from the 1950s onwards, samples, photographs and promotional material.

It's been fascinating to read about the development of the industry in New Zealand, including the excitement and scepticism at the time! A few highlights are pictured below and there are more on the PEPANZ Facebook page.