In the latest InFact poll, a clear majority in Nordland said no to oil exploration off Lofoten and Vesterålen. Ironically, most of the persons asked also believe this it is precisely what will happen.
The Environment Minister, Bård Vegard Solhjell who visited Lofoten Wednesday, is cheering after the latest figures in an Infact study conducted on behalf of NRK Nordland.
In the survey, 49.1 percent in Nordland said they were opposed to oil and gas exploration off Lofoten and Vesterålen. The poll was a hard blow for oil adherents believer Undrum Eivind Jacobsen.
At the same questions 34.3 percent said they are in favor of recovery, while 16.6 percent did not have any particular opinion.
The people of Nordland give a massive response to the oil industry and politicians: This is a definite no. Despite the forecast of opprtunities of 1,000 new jobs in regions that desperately need them, people will not take the risk, says NRK Nordland political commentator Undrum Eivind Jacobsen.
This is a hard blow for oil advocates who have spent a long time and a lot of resources to persuade people that this is the right thing. This case is mobilizing stronger parties that are opposed, and it shows that this can be a significant issue in the upcoming election campaign.
This is a strong support for an oil-free Lofoten. Those who live in the region are well aware of the opportunities tourism offers and the inherent value of the fishing industry, and I think it has been crucial, Jacobsen says.
The strong opposition among women in Nordland makes the biggest difference. Over 60 percent of women say no to oil exploration. This offsets the the male part of the population where a majority (45.7%) said yes.
The Norway Post - Source - NRK Nordland
The National Congress of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg's Labour Party has voted yes to do a study that examines the effects of potential oil drilling in the Lofoten-Vesterålen area in the north of Norway.
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At least 50,000 people were without electricity late Tuesday and Early Wednesday morning, after several faults developed on the power grid in Southern Troms and the Lofoten/Ofoten region.(Updated)
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Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg (Labour) says to NRK TV News that he supports his party's call for an impact assessment study of oil exploration in the waters off Lofoten.
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After the Labour Party has opened up for an impact assessment study of oil exploration in Lofoten, their sudden change of mind faces strong reactions, and it comes too early according to some.
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A large majority within the program committee of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg's Labour Party (AP) now wants to open the waters off Lofoten for oil exploration within the next four years.
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The winter cod fishing has a long tradition, and for several hundred years, this fishery has attracted anglers from all over the country. Fishing for cod occurs mainly around Vesterålen, Senja and Lofoten. In Lofoten alone more than 30,000 tons of cod is caught every season.
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Opening up more northern areas for the oil industry could create between 13,000 and 37,000 jobs, and from NOK 26-55 billions in added value.
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Every year in March, fishermen from all over the world team up to fight for the world championship in Cod-fishing in Lofoten. Last years winning Cod weighed 19,2 kg.
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Museum Nord is an umbrella organization for museums and historical information in the North of Norway, Lofoten, Vesterålen and Ofoten. There are museums and historical presentations in 8 municipalities Vågan, Hadsel, Sortland, Bø, Øksnes, Andøy, Narvik og Ballangen.
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Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg has announced that the Norwegian Government intends to start additional seismic surveys further north in the previously disputed area of the Barents Sea.
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This winter, the Northern Lights over Norway will be the strongest we’ve seen in 50 years, according to the experts.
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Meteorologists predict severe storms and precipitation in the North of Norway and along the West Coast this weekend, coupled with storm surge in several places.
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Slowdowns, debt crises and great uncertainty again afflict the world economy, but seem to have little or no effect on Norwegian oil industry. A record high investment level will increase further over the next three years.
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