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Kelvin Parsons, Opposition Natural Resources Critic and MHA for the District
of Burgeo-Lapoile, says government must move quickly in finalizing their
Energy Plan for the people of the province. Since the breakdown of the
Hebron/Ben Nevis negotiations, oil companies are expressing their concern
that they are unsure of the regulatory rules in the province that govern our
offshore industry. Industry officials are also expressing concern about the
delays in developing a natural gas royalty regime that will allow them to
potentially move forward with natural gas developments.
"Over the past few weeks, many questions have been raised regarding the
breakdown of the Hebron/Ben Nevis negotiations, especially the potential
impact it will have on the oil and gas sector in this province," said Mr.
Parsons. "The Minister of Natural Resources and the Premier have
continuously stated that they do not believe the breakdown of these talks
will negatively impact development in the province, especially natural gas.
However, we have learned that several oil companies have already approached
government and made written submissions expressing these concerns and their
disappointment that government is stalling in developing a natural gas
royalty regime.
"I am encouraging government to move forward with this plan in the very
near future so everyone in the province, including the oil and gas industry,
knows the rules and can move forward with planned development, exploration
and expansion in our offshore industry. Without the Energy Plan, I fear new
growth will be slowed and our industry will stall.
"It is obvious that exploration and development in our offshore region is
being delayed while government develops the Energy Plan. With such important
economic activity being stalled in the province, and government dragging its
feet, now is the time to bring forth this plan to be discussed and debated
in the general public."
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