Margem Equatorial Como Nova Fronteira Exploratória Do Petróleo Brasileiro: Possibilidades E Potencial Petrolífero

The Brazilian Equatorial Margin stands out as one of the country's main oil exploration frontiers, combining high geological potential and the capacity to strengthen national energy security. With estimates pointing to billions of recoverable barrels, its exploration is considered strategic given Brazil's reserve/production ratio of only 13.7 years. In addition to expanding reserves, the region can significantly boost the economic development of the North and Northeast, through job creation, increased GDP, and expansion of public revenues. However, environmental and institutional obstacles have delayed licensing, despite several technical studies contesting the risks attributed to the project. In the legal sphere, the conflict between national development and environmental protection requires a balancing of constitutional principles, as argued by Dworkin, Alexy, and Barroso. Thus, it is concluded that the viability of exploration depends on a balance between sustainability, technical safety, and public interest.