Opposition leader and presidential candidate José María Figueres says he supports a proposed ban on oil and gas exploration but wants the measure changed before it is put to a vote. (Photo courtesy of Figueres campaign)
A bill to ban oil and gas exploration is facing renewed opposition in the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly ahead of a December deadline that could force the measure to be withdrawn from consideration. Opposition parties are demanding changes to the proposal before granting their approval. The bill has been removed from the top of the plenary agenda after reaching the floor in March, and it may be returned to a legislative committee that would have to agree on revisions before it advances further. The administration of Costa Rican President of Carlos Alvarado Quesada has labeled the bill a priority and is making a last-ditch effort to save it. “We are in talks with the different opposition parties to try and figure out a path forward that they would feel comfortable with,” Paola Vega, a member of the unicameral legislature from the ruling Citizens’ Action Party (PAC), told EcoAméricas. “What... [Log in to read more]
