Region advises on Groningerveld 2021-2022 settlement decision
The Groningen authorities continue to urge that the reinforcement project be accelerated and that compensation be handled in a fair and generous manner. They do so in their recommendation to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy regarding the Groningen Field production quota decision for the 2021/2022 gas year.
The region notes that the phase-out of gas extraction and the impending closure of the Groningen field are proceeding at a rapid pace. However, they are asking the minister to assess the risks and impacts should the phase-out process slow down or stall, and to make this information transparent to residents. The minister must pay close attention to the pace of the reinforcement efforts, fair compensation for damages, and the social consequences of gas extraction.
Advice for regional governments
As described in the Mining Act, the minister asks regional authorities to provide advice on the adoption decision each year. On 25 June, the minister will publish the draft adoption decision for the 2020-2021 gas year on www.rvo.nl. Authorities and residents can respond to this from 26 June to 6 August by submitting their consultation responses.
Relevant government agencies
The recommendation to the Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy was drafted in collaboration with the councils , Midden-Groningen, Het Hogeland, Eemsdelta, Oldambt, Pekela, Veendam, Westerwolde, and Westerkwartier; the Province of Groningen; the Groningen Safety Region; and the Noorderzijlvest and Hunze en Aa’s water boards. Since October 2019, the reinforcement project has fallen under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. For this reason, a copy of the recommendation is being sent to the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.