Bill to Lift the Ban on Hydrocarbon Research, Exploration and Exploitation in French Overseas Territories

This bill proposes to repeal the existing ban on hydrocarbon research, exploration, and exploitation that currently applies to French overseas territories (territoires d'outre-mer). The ban in question was introduced as part of France's 2017 Hydrocarbons Law (Loi Hulot), which prohibited new hydrocarbon permits across all French territory as part of a phased exit from fossil fuel production by 2040. The proposed repeal would apply specifically to French overseas territories such as French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Réunion, Mayotte, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Two territories are explicitly excluded from the scope of this bill: Wallis-et-Futuna and the French Southern and Antarctic Territories (TAAF), which would remain subject to the existing ban. The rationale behind the bill is likely tied to energy independence and economic development concerns specific to overseas territories, which are heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels and face high energy costs. Proponents argue that allowing local hydrocarbon extraction could reduce dependency on imports and stimulate local economies. This proposal represents a significant reversal of France's stated climate and energy transition commitments under the Loi Hulot and the Paris Agreement, and is expected to face strong opposition from environmental groups and a portion of the legislature.

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