Majority of MPs want limits on Groningen gas drilling

A majority of MPs wants reducing natural gas extraction in Groningen, Telegraaf reported on Wednesday. Oil Well / Wikipedia Both VVD and PvdA have agreed on limiting gas extraction in the northern province, where people are concerned about earthquakes caused by natural gas drilling, job losses due to the deteriorating economy and lack of facilities. VVD now supports less gas extraction in Groningen, VVD MP René Void said in an interview with the Telegraaf. He also wants a generous compensation for residents whose property has been damaged by earthquakes caused by the gas extraction. The agreement between the two parties comes two months ahead of the municipal elections in March. The gas fields in Groningen generate a lot of revenue for the government and limiting gas drilling in the province would be a tough decision for the government. As a result of earthquakes caused by gas drilling, real estate market is also facing problems in Groningen. The value of houses is falling there. People are showing anger on the government policies and recent bankruptcy of aluminum company Aldel. The company’s closure was the last straw for Groningers. Bram Reinders of the village of Farmsum created a Facebook page Groningers in Opstand on the day the news about the bankruptcy of Aldel. The page currently is liked by 25,408 people.