Thursday, 10 September 2015 - 15:30
Gas extraction, earthquakes in focus at Council of State hearing
On Thursday the Council of State is handling 41 appeals against Economic Minister Henk Kamp's gas decision for Groningen. Earthquake area residents, municipalities, water boards, interest groups and the province want the gas extraction in the province to be stopped completely, or at least further reduced.
No one involved has any nice words to say about Minister Kamp or gas company NAM. "Kamp only has eyes for the supply and still not for the safety of Groningen", Peter van der Burgh said on behalf of the province, RTV Noord reports. This sentiment is also shared by the counselor of the safety region and the Groningen municipalities. "NAM and the minister are only out for profit maximization."
Nette Kruizenga of interest group Groningen Centraal! points out that human rights are being violated in Groningen. "Groningen residents are treated as second-class citizens", she said, adding that Kamp deliberately withholds information.
Later on Thursday afternoon NAM and the State Attorney will have the opportunity to respond to these allegations.
Groningen Centraal! previously won a case before the Council of State, which resulted in gas extraction in Loppersum being stopped completely.