Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced that he will be meeting with the environmental agency Ibama this week or the next to discuss Petrobras' request to drill for oil near the mouth of the Amazon river.
Lula, a supporter of state-owned Petrobras' interest in exploring the region, criticized Ibama during a radio interview, stating that "Ibama seems to be against the government," escalating tensions with the regulatory body.
The outcome of the meeting regarding Petrobras' drilling permit in the environmentally delicate area remains uncertain.
In May 2023, Ibama denied Petrobras' application for an offshore drilling license in the Foz do Amazonas area off the coast of Amapa state due to environmental concerns. Despite the oil company's subsequent appeal, Ibama has yet to make a final decision.
Union Ascema, representing federal environmental agency workers, expressed apprehension over Lula's comments, emphasizing that Ibama bases its decisions on "technical, scientific, and legal criteria."
Ibama did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The agency's president, Rodrigo Agostinho, downplayed the political pressure as "normal."
Lula's statements followed discussions with Davi Alcolumbre, the newly appointed President of Brazil's Senate, known for advocating oil exploration in Amapa, his home state.
The Equatorial Margin in the area's northern region holds significant oil potential, akin to nearby Guyana, where Exxon Mobil is developing extensive fields.
Although Petrobras eyes substantial opportunities in the region, it faces resistance from local Indigenous communities concerning its drilling plans.
The director of exploration and production at Petrobras, Sylvia dos Anjos, anticipated Ibama's approval for the drilling project in the first quarter of this year.