A referendum to drill within 12mi of the Italian coast has been sunk after failing to attract enough people to vote.
A low turnout meant that the referendum, which had asked Italians if the government should stop renewing offshore drilling licenses within 12mi of the coast, wasn't valid, reports Reuters. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the move would have hurt the economy.
New drilling concessions are no longer being handed out, but it is seen that existing sites should have the option to remain operational until they are fully depleted, due to the jobs that would be at risk - estimated at 11,000.
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