NOS News•tomorrow, 01:20
Groningen administrators have reacted with surprise to the decision of the Senate not to vote for the time being on the permanent closure of the gas fields in Groningen. “This was not a good day for the confidence of Groningen residents in politics in The Hague,” King’s Commissioner René Paas responded to NOS. “And that includes myself.”
In the Senate, BBB, VVD, PVV, JA21 and 50Plus want more information about the security of gas supply before they decide on permanently turning off the gas tap. The law that regulates this would be discussed in the Senate next week. That is now postponed. In March, the House of Representatives approved the plan to close the Groningen field permanently with 146 out of 150 votes.
“The Senate is a co-legislator, but it also sits there with its eyes open,” says Paas. “He also knows the promises that have been made to Groningen.” He points out that security of supply has in the past been a reason to continue gas extraction. The term is therefore sensitive among residents. “People are shocked, bewildered, furious, or worse, cynical.”
‘Thought about belated April Fool’s joke’
Deputy Susan Top says at RTV Noord that “she almost loses her courage”. “At first I thought, they are a day late with their April Fool’s joke.”
She assumes that the definitive closure of the Groningen field will ultimately be agreed upon. “But the question is why you have to cause this unrest now.”
Paas also says that he has heard from several sources that postponement does not lead to adjustment. Yet there is only one way to prove that, he says. “And that is to ensure that this law is published in the Official Gazette as quickly as possible.”
Outgoing State Secretary Vijlbrief also reacted with surprise and disappointment on Tuesday. He will answer senators’ questions about security of supply “as quickly as possible” and hopes that the Senate will meet later in April to discuss the final closure of the gas tap.
