Region advises on Groningerveld 2021-2022 settlement decision
The Groningen authorities continue to insist on speed in the reinforcement task and fair and generous damage compensation. They do so in their advice to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy on the Groningen field determination decision for the 2021/2022 gas year.
The region sees that the phasing out of gas extraction and the imminent closure of the Groningen field are progressing rapidly. However, they are asking the minister to identify the risks and effects if the phasing-out process slows down or stagnates and to make this clear to residents. The minister must pay attention to the pace of the reinforcement task, fair damage settlement, and the social consequences of gas extraction.
Advice to regional authorities
As described in the Mining Act, the minister asks regional authorities to provide advice on the determination decision each year. On June 25, the minister will publish the draft determination decision for the 2020-2021 gas year on www.rvo.nl. Authorities and residents can respond to this from June 26 to August 6 by submitting their views.
Governments involved
The advice to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy was drawn up in collaboration with the municipalities of Groningen, Midden-Groningen, Het Hogeland, Eemsdelta, Oldambt, Pekela, Veendam, Westerwolde, Westerkwartier, the province of Groningen, the Groningen Safety Region, and the Noorderzijlvest and Hunze en Aa’s water boards. Since October 2019, the reinforcement task has fallen under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. A copy of the advice has therefore been sent to the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.