The Chubut legislature approved the law ratifying the agreement signed between the provincial government and YPF to organise the company's exit from conventional areas in the Gulf San Jorge Basin.
The law authorises an agreement that includes an extraordinary payment of 25 million dollars, the transfer of movable and real estate assets located in Comodoro Rivadavia and the release of the company from future liabilities for the environmental obligations covered by the agreement.
The bill was approved by majority vote, with support from the ruling bloc and allied legislators. Arriba Chubut, the Independent Party of Chubut and the Left Front voted against it, while one legislator was absent.
During committee review, changes were introduced to the original bill. One central provision states that the 25 million dollars to be paid by YPF must be used exclusively for infrastructure, public services, health, security, sanitation and other public-interest investments in Comodoro Rivadavia.
The law also expressly recognises municipal powers over urban planning, land use, permits, environmental matters and policing authority regarding the properties covered by the agreement.
Another change expanded the Consultative Council that will assess the future use of transferred assets. It will include representatives of the provincial government, the municipality of Comodoro Rivadavia and civil society organisations, with advisory functions.
The law also creates a property-title regularisation regime for buildings and land occupied by clubs, civil associations and other institutions. The process includes surveys, use permits and loan-for-use agreements until final transfers are completed.
The debate exposed two positions. Supporters highlighted the transfer of assets to the provincial state and their potential use for Comodoro Rivadavia. Opposing blocs criticised the release of environmental liability, the compensation amount and the lack of access to technical studies.
