Bill 5602/20 attributes to the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) the power to regulate and supervise the exploration of oil shale in Brazil. The proposal is pending in the Chamber of Deputies.

Currently, the ANP is already responsible for the regulation and inspection of the oil, natural gas and other fluid hydrocarbon production chain. Bituminous shale is a type of rock that contains organic matter and from which it is possible to extract an oil identical to well oil.

The text amends the Petroleum Law. Author of the project, Deputy Filipe Barros (PSL-PR) explains that the change fills a gap in the legislation that mainly affects the state of Paraná, the main oil shale producer in the country.

Controversy 

Currently, there is a controversy about how the exploration of oil shale for oil production should be considered: if it is similar to mining or the production of hydrocarbons.

"In view of this, it is necessary that the ANP be the only one responsible for regulating the exploitation of the oil shale mineral with a view to the production of oil and gas and the due payment of royalties to the federated entities", said Barros.

The project also authorizes Petrobras to carry out research, mining, refining, trading and transporting oil from oil shale or other rocks.