News item | 7/14/2023 | 15:16
As of today, anyone can respond to the proposal of State Secretary Vijlbrief (Mining) to no longer allow new extraction of minerals under the Wadden area. Minerals are, for example, gas and salt. The Wadden area is a unique nature reserve and has been a world heritage site since 2009. The government wants to protect this vulnerable area even better. Due to the holiday period, the internet consultation is open for six weeks on internetconsultatie.nl.
This amendment stipulates that no new licenses may be issued for the search for or production of, for example, gas or salt. The current gas plans have a lead time until the end of 2035. After that, they will no longer be extended. It remains possible, for example, to obtain a permit to clear existing mining works. Sustainable forms of mining, such as geothermal energy, will also remain possible in the future.
Ternaard
It has been agreed in the coalition agreement that the procedure for gas extraction north of the village of Ternaard will be completed. The Minister for Nature and Nitrogen is currently considering the decision on the permit under the Nature Protection Act. In the week of September 12, the House of Representatives will meet on which topics are declared controversial.