Strasbourg plenary 12-15 Sept: economic crisis, Libya, energy

Offshore oil and gas drilling within the EU must be subject to the highest safety and environmental standards, according to a report from the industry committee debated on Monday evening.

Following the biggest accidental marine oil spill in history in 2010, the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, and ahead of proposals on offshore oil and gas from the European Commission later this month, the committee looked at safety standards for offshore drilling in the EU. Over 90% of oil and 60% of gas is produced offshore.

"This report sets out suggestions to prevent accidents happening," according to the report's author, British Conservative Vicky Ford.

The report calls for drilling to be contingent on approval by national authorities of an environmental impact assessment and contingency plan submitted by the operators at least two months before operations begin. The plan should identify potential hazards, assess pollution sources and effects and outline a response strategy in case of an accident, including drilling plans for a relief well and the identification of appropriate response equipment.

MEPs also considered the opinion of the Environment Committee, which wants companies to have to prove they have the finances to cover the costs of environmental damage in case of an accident or a spill, perhaps through mandatory insurance.

Parliament approved the proposals Tuesday.