Sweden bans the extraction of coal, oil and natural gas and tightens the rules for the extraction of alum shale
SWEDEN, June 8 – A ban on extracting coal, oil and natural gas in Sweden enters into force in Sweden on July 1 this year. It will be an important step in the process of transition to a fossil-free society. This was announced by Minister of Climate and Environment Annika Strandhäll on World Environment Day on 5 June.
The government prioritises job creation by accelerating climate change. Measures against the extraction of substances that are harmful to health and the environment are therefore needed.
“We are tightening environmental legislation by banning the extraction of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Breaking the entire chain of fossil dependence, from extraction to use, is crucial for Sweden to continue to be a leader in climate change, says Minister of Climate and Environment Annika Strandhäll.
“The green and digital transformations will create more jobs and require more metals and minerals. Yet we must never deviate from environmental legislation. Sweden will also take the lead in banning the extraction of coal, oil and natural gas and tightening the rules for the extraction of alum shale to play our role in climate change, says Minister of Trade and Industry Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson.
The bill proposes amendments to the Environmental Code and the Minerals Act. The changes include a ban on the extraction of coal, lignite, crude oil, shale oil and natural gas in the same way as was done with uranium, as well as stricter rules for the extraction of alum shale. The amendments to the law will enter into force on 1 July 2022.