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New Zealand Parliament Repeals Offshore Oil and Gas Ban

story

JUL 31

Above: Simon Watts during the COP28, UN Climate Change Conference, on Dec. 9, 2023. Image copyright: Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto/Getty Images

story last updated 7 days ago

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

The exploration ban severely impacted New Zealand's energy security and increased costs for ordinary families. Energy prices increased by over 10% while households used less power, and Transpower warned of blackout risks due to insufficient supply. Solar, wind and battery storage aren't emerging fast enough to replace dwindling gas reserves, leaving the country vulnerable to energy shortfalls.

New Zealand Parliament New Zealand Government

Government-critical narrative

This government prioritizes multinational oil companies over climate action and New Zealand's international reputation. The egregious and deranged legislation comes just one week after the world's top court ruled that states must tackle fossil fuels or face reparations, highlighting the government's disregard for urgent climate responsibilities and international legal momentum toward fossil fuel accountability.

Stuff Oil Change International