What kind of approvals does BP require in order to drill exploration wells?
After acquiring tenure, BP must obtain permits from the Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) to carry out exploration and development activities. The OGC is responsible for ensuring that decisions are made in the public interest with respect to environmental, economic and social impacts. Regulation of coalbed gas is a responsibility shared by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, the Oil and Gas Commission and the Ministry of Environment. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources sets the policy framework that guides the British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission (OGC). The OGC is an independent regulatory agency with legislated responsibility for overseeing all oil and gas operations. The OGC: o Ensures that development is in the public interest and that companies consider environmental, economic and social effects of their projects. o Reviews applications in consultation with experts in archaeology, First Nations, forestry, biology, agrology, land and habitat and ot
