Signs that the Peruvian government is considering easing requirements for environmental-impact studies for seismic testing in oil and gas fields are drawing criticism from environmentalists and indigenous leaders. Eleodoro Mayorga, Peru’s new energy and mines minister, who took office on Feb. 24, announced in early March that a form of environmental-impact study required for seismic oil and gas exploration would be replaced by a declaration of environmental impact, which is designed for low-impact activities. The declaration is less complicated and could be approved more quickly, he said. Oil industry representatives in Peru blame sluggish environmental approvals and conflicts with local communities for delaying US$2 billion worth of oil and gas projects. Mayorga told industry representatives on March 6 that new regulations... [Log in to read more]