News and AnalysIs for

Despite questions on the competence of municipalities to decide on the use of their subsoil through “popular consultations”, a number of communities are still moving forward with plans to hold a vote, or resorting to blockades.

Members of both the senate and chamber of representatives are calling for answers from Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) on supply issues experienced across the country, and on an imminent cut of subsidies for the service which will affect low income users.

The National Agency of Environmental Licenses (ANLA) heralded its role in its annual 2016 account rendering session, and promised greater measures for citizens to participate early on in the formation of projects.

The palm growing sector which sources most of the raw material to refine biodiesel is close to “receiving its death certificate”, according to the Jens Mesa, the president of the association which represents the sector, Fedepalma,

The Minister of Mines and energy German Arce made a call to keep the oil industry healthy and competitive during a presentation given at the International Forum of Regulatory Agencies 2016.

The Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP) said that authorities should allow greater fuel imports to serve national supply during production and distribution problems from infrastructure issues and strikes.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) said that it has delivered resources from its production incentive program to benefit both victims of the armed conflict and environmental recovery in the Cesar Cepartment.

The University of Los Andes and the Law-Firm Palacios Abogados organized a seminar about legal security and community conflict in the mining industry. Some topics discussed at the event are like those in the hydrocarbons sector; we bring a brief summary of the meeting.

The political magazine Semana organized a forum called “Restitution transforms lives and builds peace” in Bogotá. HCC was present at the event; we bring a brief summary of the meeting.

The president of Colombia’s Congress, Senator Mauricio Lizcano has an ambitious and tight schedule ahead for the remainder of the 2016 legislative season, with several big items on their way including the pending tax reform and the peace agreements between the government and the Farc.