Behind the scenes, Shell, ExxonMobil and NAM had a decisive influence on the decision to extract a record amount of gas a year after the severe earthquake near Huizinge.
A year after the earthquake near Huizinge, it became clear that the risks of gas extraction could no longer be ignored. The State Supervision of Mines (SodM) warned that the extraction could lead to more severe earthquakes. Therefore, the recovery had to be reduced ‘as quickly and as much as possible and realistic’. But under the influence of the oil companies, then Minister Henk Kamp (VVD) of Economic Affairs ignored the regulator’s advice.
The research of both newspapers shows that the oil companies received important information before the House of Representatives. It is clear from the minutes that the Ministry of Economic Affairs, NAM and the oil companies worked closely together. They kept each other informed in detail about relevant political developments and tried to adjust them to their advantage.
