The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) filed an appeal this Friday (24) at the Federal Regional Court of the 1st Region (TRF – 1) asking for the immediate suspension of any environmental licensing process for oil and gas extraction blocks auctioned without carrying out prior actions and studies. The body also requested a ban on the inclusion of blocks on the Equatorial Margin in new auctions until the case is judged.
By appealing, the MPF is trying to overturn the Federal Court’s decision that denied the suspension of an auction of 19 blocks in the Foz do Amazonas Basin in September. According to the agency, the resource aims to ensure that auctions and future concession contracts are not formalized without the Climate Impact Study (EIC), without the Environmental Assessment of Sedimentary Area (AAAS) and without Studies of Indigenous Components, Quilombolas and Traditional Peoples and Communities (ECI/ECQ).
The action claims that the absence of studies and consultation in the pre-bidding phase violates the Brazilian legal system and international commitments assumed by the country. According to the MPF, the omission could lead to Brazil suffering sanctions for violations of human and environmental rights. The body also argued that mandatory consultation with potentially affected communities must occur before the environmental licensing phase.
