VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
“In addition to that, offshore and inland sea operations will be conducted only by those companies that, in addition to having the requisite technologies and specialists, have sufficient financial resources to prevent and clean up any potential oil spill and compensate for the damage done to the environment and to biological resources.”
“The tragedy that unfolded in the Gulf of Mexico last year is fresh in our memory. We remember the toll it took on the surrounding environment and on people. We need to be proactive and address all the necessary technical and financial issues in order to prevent anything of the sort from happening in Russia. Therefore, I propose to adopt a law listing all the requirements and responsibilities of those companies engaged in upstream and downstream operations in inland seas and on continental shelves.”
“We have big plans for development of the Pacific and Arctic shelves and certain areas of the Black and Caspian seas. <…> Let me point out that all such projects are carefully studied by environmental experts. Our basic requirements for Russian and foreign companies who plan to work in these areas include the use of the latest and most environmentally safe techniques in an effort to minimise their ecological impact.”
“All industrial projects in the Russian Arctic are thoroughly reviewed for their environmental impact. This is our principled position, we will proceed like this in the future, and this fully accords with the Basic Principles of State Policy in the Russian Arctic adopted in 2008.”
“I truly hope that the ethics of respect for the environment, wildlife and the country’s cultural and historical heritage will eventually become a fundamental part of our national identity. We have a lot to be proud of, a lot to preserve and, most importantly, something to pass on to future generations.”
“If an enterprise invests in modernisation, energy conservation, and green technologies, it is entitled to preferential treatment. For instance, the cost of environmental protection can be taken into account in setting an environmental tax. By the same token, we propose to increase fines for those enterprises that violate (environmental) laws and established rules. I should emphasise here that all such proposed changes are in keeping with international practice and are essentially aimed at enhancing the ecological security of the country, improving quality of life, and contributing to the health of the nation. And, of course, they give an extra boost to technological innovation in our industry and economy.”
“There is always a conflict between development and conservation. There always has been, and there always will be, but we need to strike a balance. <…>But we all understand that in the absence of incentives, production will remain steeped in old methods and old technologies.”
“The construction of a regional emergency centre in Nis was one of the items on our agenda. Russian and Serbian rescuers intend to use it as a base for joint disaster relief efforts. We are calling on other Southeast European countries to join the project as well.”
“The first sectors to be converted to new technologies will of course be those that pose environmental hazards. For example, major oil refineries – in Moscow, Ryazan, and Yaroslavl – are located practically within the city limits. Residents reasonably complain about the environmental hazards they present: chimney stacks spewing smoke, inefficient purification systems, etc. Over the next few years a drastic modernisation of all of these oil refineries will take place. Companies will invest about 118 billion roubles in modern equipment and conservation efforts, and harmful emissions will be cut almost by half.”
“The RGS is called upon to bear a substantial share of the responsibility to cultivate concern for the environment in society, to raise environmental awareness in the country. This objective applies, first and foremost, to the younger generation. I hope that the projects targeted at children and young people will be real priorities for the RGS and its partners. It is about developing educational programmes to support young scientists and, of course, organising competitions, festivals and expeditions that will help kids realise their potential, to believe in themselves and, most importantly, to truly get to know their homeland – our country.”
