Ibama’s technical staff advised against Petrobras drilling in the Foz do Amazonas region due to insufficient environmental protection plans. The final decision will be made by the agency’s president amid political pressure from the Brazilian government. Previous drilling license applications have been denied, citing environmental concerns.

Brazil’s environmental agency Ibama has advised against granting Petrobras permission to drill in the environmentally sensitive Foz do Amazonas region, as reported by two sources connected to the agency. This recommendation will be forwarded to Ibama’s President Rodrigo Agostinho for a final verdict. There are concerns regarding the lack of significant changes in plans for mitigating potential oil spill impacts on local wildlife, which influenced the recommendation.

The Ibama agency’s recommendation highlights the ongoing environmental concerns regarding oil drilling in sensitive regions of Brazil, particularly amid governmental pressures. The final decision rests with President Rodrigo Agostinho as Petrobras faces challenges related to environmental assessments in its drilling plans. The situation reflects the tension between environmental regulations and oil exploration interests in Brazil.

Original Source: www.usnews.com