23 October 2013

Greenpeace Warning “Sobering And Timely”

Greenpeace’s warning of the potential risks to the New Zealand coastline and surrounding oceans from a deep sea oil spill is both “sobering and timely”, according to UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne.

“Deep sea oil exploration is inherently risky and dangerous.

“That does not mean it should not occur, but that regulators and explorers have to be extremely aware of these risks, both to the rigs themselves, but also the surrounding oceans and landmasses when exploration decisions are being made.

“In New Zealand’s case, our lengthy coastline and the rugged seas that surround us raise particular issues,” he says.

Mr Dunne says the divergence in the reactions to the Greenpeace from “conservative” to “exaggerated” highlight the uncertainty and reinforce the need for a cautious approach.

“Greenpeace has postulated the potential risk – they are not saying that will happen, or that it will not – but they are raising a significant spectre, which should not be ignored.

“Before New Zealand reaches any decision beyond the current preliminary work planned by Anadarko, there will need to be a very careful analysis of this material, and whether the potential risks it identifies are valid, and outweighed by any possible gains from exploration.

“In the meantime, it would be foolish to dismiss Greenpeace’s warning,” he says.

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