The New Zealand government approved a bill on Thursday to allow offshore oil and gas extraction again. The country hopes to alleviate energy shortages with this, but environmental organizations are concerned about climate goals.
The previous government of the country had banned it in 2018. That was part of the plan of then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to make New Zealand climate neutral.
That has been reversed by the right-wing government, which has been in power since November 2023, on Thursday. According to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the severe energy shortages in the past year have led to bizarre prices, which are higher than in other countries.
The bill was passed with 68 votes in favor and 54 votes against. According to Climate Minister Simon Watts, the ban was disastrous for investments. It would have ensured that the shortages of oil and gas remained large, because investors withdrew. As a result, the energy shortages remained large and the prices high.
“In times when the production of renewable energy is declining, it is clear that we need emergency measures,” says Watts. “They must ensure that New Zealanders are not left with a higher bill and that we have sufficient supply.” According to the government, renewable energy sources, including water, sun and wind, do not compensate for the shortage of energy in the country.