"Giving a voice to the people" - New campaign launched on oil and gas exploration halt

A new public campaign Energy Voices has been launched today giving voice to public concerns over the end to new oil and gas exploration permits.

"This policy will have far reaching consequences, but the people most affected haven’t had a say in the decision. We want to give those people a voice," says Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand (PEPANZ) CEO Cameron Madgwick.

"The rhetoric has often overshadowed the facts and it’s time for some balance.

"The website www.energyvoices.nz will give those people whose jobs and livelihoods are at risk a chance to make their case.

"The speed of the decision and the lack of consultation has become a source of deep frustration.

"This move will destroy jobs, increase energy costs and lose New Zealand billions of dollars. At the same time, according to the Government’s own advisors it will do nothing to reduce New Zealand’s emissions.

"We need natural gas to transition to a lower carbon economy and it’s far too soon to start cutting off supply when there are no realistic alternatives.

"Energy Voices will give affected workers and families a chance to have their say. So far, they haven’t been heard."

The new campaign is being funded by the wider New Zealand oil and gas industry through PEPANZ. It will have a strong initial focus on encouraging people to have their say on the proposed legislation with submissions closing next Thursday 11 October.

ENDS

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