Brasília, January 22, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Governor Rosinha Matheus conditioned her approval of an oil pipeline that Petrobras proposes to construct between the Campos Basin, in the state of Rio, and São Paulo, on the formulation of a permanent development project for the northern region of the state. The Master Distribution Plan for the Campos Basin, which envisions the construction of the pipeline, was presented yesterday (21) to the governor and state secretaries. The Plan foresees R$ 4.65 billion in investments.

According to Petrobras, the construction of the pipeline will produce a monthly increase in royalty payments of around R$ 136 million to the state and R$ 64 million to the municipalities that are involved. However, the arguments presented by the company's executive board were insufficient to convince the governor.

According to the state secretary of Energy, Shipbuilding, and Petroleum, Wagner Victer, who participated in the meeting, the governor is concerned about the consequences that the pipeline could cause in the northern part of the state. She is fearful that the project might impair the development of the region in the future, when petroleum extraction is no longer viable. "The government is not opposed to the Petrobras project, but there is a concern that, with the risk of petroleum depletion in that region, which should occur in a few decades, the area will be abandoned, which is what happened in the Serra Pelada, unless there is a permanent development project for the northern region of the state," the secretary added.

A work group was created at the meeting to discuss a solution that will fulfill both Petrobras's requirements for petroleum distribution and the interests of the state government. Among the alternatives being considered is the construction of a new refinery or a petrochemical complex in the region, with suitable provisions to protect the environment. (DAS)