Brussels Principles for Extractive Industries
04 February 2010 | Audio
CEESP SEAPRISE members Rick Steiner and Richard Cellarius promote a new paradigm for Oil & Gas Development at the European Conference on Extractive Industries, Oct. 13th, 2009.
The Brussels Principles: A New Paradigm for Oil and Gas Development
1. Avoid/Limit Hydrocarbon Development to Maximum Extent Possible
2. Prior Informed Consent of Local/Indigenous People
3. Environmental Planning/Monitoring (SEA, EIS)
4. Value Ecosystem and Social Systems Adequately for Risk/Benefit Calculation
5. Avoid ecologically/culturally sensitive areas – “No-Go-Areas” (IUCN Category I – IV)
6. Minimize Ecological/Cultural Footprint:
a) Best Available Technology (BAT) /
b) Risk Reduction to As Low As Possible (ALAP, not ALARP)
7. Minimize Emissions – air (gas flaring), water (drilling fluids, ballast water), and land
8. Minimize Energy Use
9. Industry Purchase of Biodiversity Offsets
10. Oil Spill Prevention and Response – BAT
11. Government/Industry Transparency (FOIA, PWYP, EITI)
12. Effective Government Regulatory Oversight
13. Public Engagement – Citizens’ Advisory Councils
14. Protection of Human Rights – guidelines for security forces
15. Public Revenue – Fair, Transparent (maximize take + spend wisely + savings fund)
16. Maximize Benefit to Local Economy – jobs, revenue sharing, etc.
17. Sufficient Financial Liability (unlimited for gross negligence)
18. Restore All Damage as Much as Possible
19. Establish and Pre-finance Project Closure Protocols
20. Policy Reform – transfer subsidies, impose Carbon tax, and invest $3 trillion/year in sustainable energy future
For a full copy of the Report click on the link to the right.
