Oil and gas exploration on Georges Bank shut down indefinitely

A new law introduced Wednesday by the Nova Scotia Government is effectively shutting down oil and gas exploration off Georges Bank for the foreseeable future.

A moratorium on exploration in the sensitive underwater eco-system has been in place since 1988 and was due to expire in 2011.  

The province was already discussing ways to extend the ban until 2015, but Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks says the new law eliminates any reference to expiration dates.

“It’s just not worth the risk to drill in an area this important, this unique to Nova Scotians,” he says.

“We just don’t know enough about the sensitive area of Georges Bank,” says Estabrooks.  “It is imperative that as a government we understand the implications of any development activity in this area on the fisheries and the eco-systems.”

Georges Bank is home to more than 200 marine species, including the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale.

In order to pass, the new law requires a public hearing and a vote in the legislature.

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