A fresh study on the socio-economic impact of factors affecting the oil shale industry finds that tax rises and mining restrictions could dramatically impede the development of Ida-Viru County, Estonia’s industrial northeast.

Presented today by Praxis, a think tank, the analysis assesses the potential impact of various environmental regulations from 2015-2030. It was commissioned by the 22 cities and municipalities in Ida-Viru County.

“Upon making each decision it should consider whether the received benefit outweighs the accompanying damage and it is necessary to be prepared to compensate the damage caused to residents of the region,” said Katrin Pihor, who directed the study.

The analysis concludes that more decision-making power should be given to the municipalities where mining and industrial sites are located.

“That way locals can decide in their hometown how to find a better compromise in developing industry and the living environment,” the study said.