Bill would ban oil and gas work in Spanish Mediterranean

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would ban exploring, researching and extracting hydrocarbons or other mineral substances in the Mediterranean under Spanish jurisdiction. It would also ban seismic exploration, unless the technology used is scientifically proven to be completely harmless.
2. Exploration permits already granted before the law takes effect would remain valid until they expire. They could not be extended in any case.
3. The law would also apply to pending applications for exploration, research, extraction or seismic surveys that have not been decided when it takes effect.
4. The law would take effect the day after its publication in the Official State Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Estado).

Who it affects

• Energy and mining companies: They could no longer explore for or extract hydrocarbons or other minerals in the Spanish Mediterranean.
• Holders of already granted exploration permits: They could finish their activities, but with no possibility of extension.
• Applicants with pending requests: Their undecided applications would be subject to the new ban.

Words worth knowing

Adquisición sísmica (seismic survey)

An exploration technique that uses sound waves to look for deposits under the seabed.

Proposición de ley (bill)

A text that a regional parliament or other body proposes as a law to the Congress. It is not a law until passed.

Hidrocarburos (hydrocarbons)

Substances such as oil or natural gas, made of carbon and hydrogen.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries