Further gas extraction reduction ordered after earthquakes

The Council of State ordered Minister Henk Kamp of Economic Affairs to reduce gas extraction in Groningen even further due to the earthquakes in the province.  The Council wants Kamp to cap gas extraction at a maximum of 27 billion cubic meters this year, broadcaster NOS reports. More gas may be extracted only if this winter is relatively cold. In June Kamp decided to reduce gas extraction from 39.5 billion cubic meters to 33 billion cubic meters. Residents and interest groups turned to the Council of State because they want the extraction to be reduced even further, or stopped completely. They feel that the earthquakes caused by the gas extraction puts their safety at state.