Send to Kindle
Socialist MP Anton Kutev has callded for local referendums on shale gas drilling in Bulgaria`s Dobrudhza region. Photo by darik news.
Bulgaria must hold local referendums in Dobrudzha on shale gas exploration and production, said Monday left-wing MP Anton Kutev at a press conference in Siistra.
The fact that US Ambassador James Warlick is "explicitly lobbying for shale gas production in Bulgaria is very dangerous", according to Kutev.
He believes that the US considers this a geopolitical move aimed at diversifying gas supplies from Russia.
According to the socialist MP, the entry of companies like Chevron into Bulgaria will trick the local political elite into making objectionable decisions.
Kutev claims that shale gas extraction in Bulgaria is unprofitable from a technological point of view and will also do damage to the environment.
In his words, some regions in the US have banned shale gas production near populated areas.
Georgi Bozhinov, another left-wing MP, recently demanded a moratorium on shale gas exploration.
According to Bozhinov, the situation in Bulgaria is unique because above the shale gas, which is believed to be trapped underground over 1/4th of Bulgaria's territory, is located Bulgaria's biggest underground freshwater unit. It is in direct contact with all surfaces, including drinking water from Yantra, Razgrad, Targovishte, Novi Pazar, Shumen, Dobrich, Albena and Varna.
Over the weekend, Environment Minister Nona Karazdhova dismissed such allegations as populist threats about the exploration of mineral resources.
She explained that the exploration works were not harmful to the environment, which was why neither Bulgarian nor European laws required any environmental procedures.
According to Karadzhova, if shale gas is found and the company is granted a commercial discovery certificate and it decides to operate under concession, another environment impact assessment procedure will be opened over the investment project, together with an impact assessment on the biodiversity and the Natura 2000 sites.
At a Sunday referendum, the residents of the Gorna Malina municipality voted down the construction of quarries, mines and landfills.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Bulgaria's right-wing and pro-Russian party "Vazrazhdane" (Revival) has engaged in heated consultations preceding the formation of a government, taking aim at President Rumen Radev over the issue of a proposed referendum against adopting the euro in Bulga
Amidst escalating tensions in the region, Transnistria, the self-proclaimed state bordering Moldov
In a move that underscores the complexities of Bulgaria's evolving defense strategy, Yambol Mayor Valentin Revanski has announced plans to hold a local referendum regarding the proposed expansion of the Kabile barracks area to accommodate 2,000 NATO troop
In response to the Constitutional Court's rejection of the proposed referendum to preserve the Bulgarian lev, the "Vazrazhdane" party has announced plans for blockades at three key border checkpoints: "Lesovo," "Yovkovo," and "Ruse"
The Constitutional Court has dismissed a request from MPs representing "Vazrazhdane" and "There Is Such a People"
After seven months of deliberation, the Constitutional Court is set to announce its decision on the rejection of a referendum proposal aimed at limiting the introduction of the euro before 2043
Overnight, rainfall across the country will temporarily cease, with some areas experiencing breaks in the clouds
Overnight, the precipitation zone will gradually shift eastward, with significant amounts expected in parts of Central and Eastern Bulgaria, accompanied by thunderstorms
Romanian media outlets have reported that storm "Renata" has made landfall in Romania, bringing with it strong winds and heavy precipitation. Following two weeks of record high temperatures, the mercury has plummeted by 15-20 degrees Celsius, as reported
The concluded winter presented unusually elevated temperatures and a 'milder' heating season for thousands of Bulgarians
For the past four years, residents of the picturesque village of Brestovitsa in Plovdiv have been grappling with a troubling issue: muddy water contaminated with manganese flowing from their taps
Overnight, expect considerable cloud cover, particularly in western regions, accompanied by showers. In Northwestern Bulgaria, expect a west-northwest wind bringing colder air
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022
