The Hydrocarbons bill now approved by Congress’s Energy and Mining Commission is generating fierce opposition from Amazonian indigenous groups, and from the principal national environmental and human rights groups. The central demand is that Congress backtrack on the approval.

The bill contains a series of projects aimed at promoting the hydrocarbons sector and strengthening the national oil company Perupetro. The view of the indigenous and environmental organizations is that the projects are designed to maximize production at the expense of the people and the environment. They put at risk the institutionality of environmental control and the rights of indigenous peoples.

In a press release published on Monday 10 September, 31 indigenous, human rights and environmental organizations, local and international, carefully explain their position regarding the bill.

An important point made is that yet again these proposals strengthen the remit of the Ministry of Energy and Mining (MINEM), at the expense of the powers and autonomy of the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) (a recurring theme in recent months).

Another worrying provision is that the form of the environmental impact study required is modified to a much less stringent measure. The groups argue that this would allow the building of infrastructure in forest areas without prior permission. Also proposed is an extension of licenses for exploration for up to 80 years.
Other demands include the proper use of free and informed consent.

These key voices are adding to the national opposition voiced among others by Veronika Mendoza last week.