Nordland County Council rejects oil and gas exploration in LoVeSE

The Nordland County Council has voted to reject requests for oil and gas exploration in the waters off Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Senja (LoVeSE). The decision specifically denies demands from the oil industry and the LO labor union to access the Nordland VI area in Vestfjorden for petroleum activities.

Local politicians cited environmental warnings from the Institute of Marine Research, noting that strong ocean currents and proximity to land mean any potential oil spill would have catastrophic consequences for fisheries, seabirds, and coastal ecosystems. The council also emphasized public opposition in Northern Norway and a desire to prioritize sustainable industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism.

The resolution was supported by a majority including MDG, SV, Ap, Sp, Rødt, and KrF, effectively voting down the positions of Høyre and FrP, which traditionally support opening these areas for resource extraction.