Italian referendum on offshore drilling fails to meet threshold turnout

A referendum on whether Italy should continue offshore oil and gas drilling failed Sunday to meet the threshold turnout, initial data showed.

Some 47 million Italians were eligible to vote, and for the referendum to be valid, at least 50 percent of the voters plus one have to take part, but turnout for the Sunday event was only 32 percent, according to official data.

The ballot specifically concerned the future of 44 oil and gas drilling platforms based within 12 nautical miles, or 22 km, off the Italian coast.

Citizens were asked whether such drilling should be stopped when their licenses have expired, or should continue working until resources in the field are fully exploited.

The Italian cabinet has recently banned new drilling platforms in these areas, but said existing drilling rigs there could have their licenses renewed to last until resources run out.

The move angered local authorities in nearby areas and nine regional assemblies promoted the referendum in a bid to stop the extension of these drilling licenses.

Promoters expressed the concern that the government decision could have a negative impact on local environment and the tourism industry. They asked the central government to put more resources into developing renewable resources and give the local governments a greater say in making national energy policy.

The ruling coalition campaigned against the idea of holding a referendum on the matter and Prime Minister Matteo Renzi also urged citizens to abstain.

Renzi said the referendum was unnecessary since new drilling within the 12-mile range was already banned, and ending on-going concessions before all reserves were exhausted would just harm Italy's economy and possibly put some 11,000 jobs at risk.

Italy is much dependant on foreign energy resources, importing some 90 percent of its oil and gas, according to official data.

The 44 drilling concessions concerned by the referendum supplied some 3 percent of Italy's annual gas demand and 1 percent of its oil demand.

Source:Xinhua