Stockholm Bans Issuing New Fossil Fuel Extraction Permits

Stockholm – Sweden has announced a ban on issuing new licenses for coal, oil, and natural gas extraction as of July 1st.

Speaking at an event marking World Environment Day in the capital Stockholm on Sunday, Environment Minister Annika Strandhall said the decision has been taken to protect people and the planet.

“As part of our efforts to implement our climate ambitions, we must take actions against activities that have a negative impact on our health and our environment,” she said.

The statement came a few days after the Swedish parliament voted to ban new drilling for gas and oil and restrict coal mining starting July 1st.

In a statement issued last Tuesday, the Riksdag said the measure would cover the extraction of hard coal, lignite, crude oil, shale oil and natural gas and toughen rules for mining in the Alum Shale Formation in northwestern Europe.

“Permits will no longer be granted for mining or extraction of these substances… Amendments to the Environmental Code and Minerals Act will take effect on July 1, 2022,” the statement read.