Clash Between Federal Government and Túlio Gadêlha Over Oil and Gas Exploration in Fernando de Noronha May Hinder ANP Auction Rounds

Federal Deputy Túlio Gadelha, from the Labor Democratic Party, PDT, filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Federal Court requesting the suspension of the auction for oil and gas blocks in Fernando de Noronha. The deputy and the party believe that if this continues, there will be a true environmental disaster. The federal government, along with the National Petroleum Agency (ANP), is responsible for the auction.

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The lawsuit by Túlio Gadelha in the Supreme Federal Court aims to prevent the auction of oil and gas blocks in Fernando de Noronha from taking place. The lawsuit also encompasses the Pelotas Basin, in the south of the country. The PDT believes that the auction conducted by the ANP and the federal government had no analysis of the environmental impacts regarding the exploration of oil and gas.

The exploration of the Potiguar Basin, located about 100 KM off the Brazilian coast, will affect the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park and the Atol das Rocas biological reserve. These two areas are part of Brazil’s natural and historical heritage. There are 14 locations designated for oil and gas exploration in the Potiguar Basin. However, in the same area, there are no less than 89 species that are threatened with extinction. 32% of these species are in a critical state of extinction risk, 20% are endangered, and 48% are vulnerable.

Environmental Risk from Oil and Gas Exploration

Túlio Gadelha further stated that the actions would pose a risk of leaks, harming not only the environment but also other economic areas: “The risk of large-scale leaks could harm economic activities such as tourism and fishing, as well as cause immeasurable environmental imbalance. In 2019, we experienced the largest environmental disaster in Brazilian marine waters, causing immeasurable harm to the environment, economy, and tourism. We cannot allow this to happen again.”

The deputy’s action also considers federal class actions from the states of Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Sul. They would point out errors in the process of the 17th round of concessions by the ANP for the exploration of oil and gas. “It is essential to prevent irreversible damage that could cause hundreds of billions in losses.,” emphasized Juliano Bueno de Araújo, director of the International Arayara Institute and the Oil and Gas Observatory.

Since the news emerged that the areas mentioned above could be explored for oil and gas, environmentalists have demanded studies on the environmental impact, fearing a disaster in those locations. The director also criticized the flaws in the studies and the lack of them. He believes this situation poses a risk even for investors and financiers and harms Brazil’s international relations.

Video about Environmentalists Concerned about Exploration in Fernando de Noronha

“The flaws in the studies and their absence present us with a risk situation even among investors and financiers, as well as putting Brazil’s international relations in jeopardy once again,” said the director. Brazil will participate in the climate summit, and the government will be held accountable for actions against illegal deforestation and greater care for the environment. Today, the United States is already beginning to pressure the government for a shift in position on this issue. If nothing is done, some actions will certainly be taken against the current government.