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The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) plans to carry out a new oil auction scheme to increase exploration and production in the country. This has generated expectation in investors, since it opens the possibility of exploring new areas in the country with great potential.

The La Lizama story will not die. The Inspector General’s office has opened investigations against a number of Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) executives and against senior leadership in the ANH, the ANLA and the Santander regional environmental authority (CAS). Two ECP VPs have been suspended for three months.

German Espinosa, President of the Colombian Chamber of Petroleum Services (Campetrol) spoke about oil activities in Colombia, the care of the environment and the industry’s contributions to the regions and the economy of Colombia.

The Ministry of Environment (MinAmbiente) announced changes to the Manual of Environmental Compensation for large projects. This document is vital for the extractive sector, as it is the guide to compensation in environmental and ecological issues.

The General Maritime Directorate organized a workshop for those who will be inspecting offshore platforms. ANH President Orlando Velandia was invited to talk about the offshore oil and gas opportunity.

Locals in Casanare and Santander denounced that they are feeling displaced by the industry, and demand that companies like Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC), Hocol and Perenco answer their calls. The development of these and more stories in our periodic Eco summary.

Earlier this month, 2,000 doctors sent a letter to President Santos asking him to rule out fracking. The Colombian Association of Petroleum Engineers (Acipet) replied.

The government created the carbon tax with the aim of generating resources for the protection of the environment, but a conflict has arisen between the Ministry of Finance (MinHacienda) and the Ministry of Environment (MinAmbiente) over the use of this tax.

Despite political and social problems, Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) remain firm in their decision to bet on Colombia’s potential.

Tourists found a dark spot in Coveñas, and although environmental authorities visited the area and confirmed that it was not an oil spill, local tourism and animals were affected by the issue. The development of these and more stories in our periodic Eco summary.