The turn of science on the second day Parliamentary inquiry into gas extraction

It is the second day of the parliamentary inquiry into the extraction of natural gas in Groningen. Today, the focus is on the testimonies of three scientists who have already studied the consequences of gas drilling in the 1990s. According to political journalist Leendert Beekman, the actions of the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM) and the State will again be heavily criticized today.

The three scientists who will speak on the second day have already conducted research on gas extraction in Groningen and earthquakes 30 years ago. Beekman suspects they will also say that their advice regarding gas extraction should have been heeded much earlier.

Today’s first speaker is Hans de Waal, who was first a research scientist for Shell, but has worked for the National Mine Watch since 2019. The second speaker is Hans Roest, who first worked as a scientist at TU Delft, but is now also active at the State Supervision of Mines. Finally, geologist Peter van der Gaag has the floor, who has been studying types of clay in the soil for a long time.

Read also | “Rutte and Kamp are beaten in a gas extraction hearing”

Round

During the emotional first day of the investigation, testimonies from citizens of Groningen came through. Prime Minister Rutte and former minister Henk Kamp have been hit hard. They would sit on the lap of NAM oil companies when extracting gas. Later this week there will also be witness statements from Shell and former minister Annemarie Jorritsma. The final report of this parliamentary inquiry has not yet been published. According to chairman Tom van der Lee, that won’t happen until February next year.