About this bill
Parliament urges government to expand oil and gas activity on Norwegian continental shelf
Eight MPs from the Progress Party, Conservative Party, Centre Party and others have introduced a private member's bill to strengthen petroleum operations on the Norwegian continental shelf. The proposals ask the government to launch the 26th licensing round, reopen previously opened areas, increase exploration in the Barents Sea, and streamline regulatory conditions for the oil industry. A majority in the energy and environment committee supports the importance of petroleum activity for the Norwegian economy and employment, while left-wing and green party members oppose the plans, citing the Paris Agreement and expected declining demand for gas.