Pelosi Statement on Camisea Pipeline Project in Peru

September 10, 2003

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement regarding the Inter-American Development Bank’s vote today to approve loans for the Camisea gas pipeline project in Peru. The Pelosi amendment, enacted as part of the International Development and Finance Act of 1989, prevents the U.S. executive director at the International Development Bank from voting to approve any project that would have a significant impact on the environment unless an environmental assessment is made publicly available:

“It is unfortunate that the United States chose to abstain from today’s vote on the Camisea pipeline project. To follow the intent of the Pelosi amendment, the U.S. should have voted ‘no.’

“Less than two weeks ago, the Export-Import Bank rejected funding for the project on the basis of environmental concerns. U.S. opposition at the Inter-American Development Bank today would have sent a clear message that significant changes to the Camisea project are needed to protect the environment and indigenous peoples in Peru.

“The government of Peru and the sponsors of the Camisea project should implement stronger environmental and social safeguards immediately and locate the proposed natural gas processing plant further away from the environmentally-sensitive Paracas National Reserve.”

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