Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
The Welsh Ministers are responsible for licensing the exploration and development of Wales’s onshore petroleum resources following the devolution of powers in the Wales Act 2017. The Welsh Government policy on petroleum extraction in Wales was published in December 2018[i]. The climate emergency requires us to move away from fossil fuels as soon as is practicably possible, so it is Welsh Government policy to not issue any new licences. There is no clear case to show that domestic production of fossil fuels is beneficial for climate change when it adds to global supply. As a founding member of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, we are working internationally to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels as required to meet the goals in the Paris Agreement. However, the Welsh Ministers have a statutory duty to administer the petroleum licences that were issued by the UK Government before 1 October 2018, in accordance with the model clauses incorporated into the licence, applicable legislation and policy, and with the general principles of public law.
I am today publishing our consultation on the draft non-statutory technical guidance that we have prepared in relation to this licensing activity. The guidance has been prepared to assist licensees in the management of existing licences. The consultation is seeking views on the draft guidance from licensees, professional bodies, local authorities, other interested groups and the general public.
[i]Written Statement: Petroleum Extraction Policy statement (10 December 2018) | GOV.WALES