The Guyanese government has taken a major step toward bolstering environmental safeguards in the oil and gas sector with the completion of the draft Oil Pollution Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Responsibility Bill.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall made this announcement on Tuesday during his weekly television programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ on January 7, 2025, that the draft has been finalized and submitted to the Office of the President for review.

“The bill is now completed and has been sent to the Office of the President for its examination and further action,” Nandlall said, noting that the draft’s completion is a major milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen Guyana’s legislative framework for environmental protection and liability management in the petroleum industry.

This legislation aims to establish a comprehensive framework for managing oil spills, ensuring liability coverage, and mandating compensation for affected individuals and entities.
The bill is part of ongoing efforts to enhance environmental protection in the oil sector, reflecting lessons learned from international incidents.
Public consultations were previously conducted to incorporate feedback into the draft.

Thus far, Guyana has taken several proactive measures to strengthen its oil spill preparedness and response capabilities.
Among these efforts is the passage of the Petroleum Activities Bill 2023, which replaces the outdated Petroleum Exploration and Production Act of 1986.
This new legislation ensures responsible and modern management of the petroleum industry.

Additionally, the government has significantly strengthened oil permits and environmental regulations to minimise liabilities and manage environmental and economic impacts.
For instance, in the event of excessive flaring, companies are required to compensate at a rate of US$5 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent.