Home / Environment / UK Court Rejects Climate Challenge on Oil Licences
UK Court Rejects Climate Challenge on Oil Licences
28 Nov
Summary
- High Court dismissed Oceana UK's challenge against oil and gas licences.
- Licences cover exploration in protected zones, raising species protection concerns.
- Court found government's assessment of spill risks was lawful and precautionary.
An ocean conservation charity's legal challenge against the UK government concerning new oil and gas exploration licences has been dismissed by the High Court. Oceana UK argued that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the North Sea Transition Authority failed to properly assess the climate change and spill risks associated with 28 licences granted last May.
The licences, which overlap with protected marine zones, raised concerns for species like harbour porpoises and puffins. Oceana UK stated that while the government's decision to grant these licences is legally sound, it remains morally questionable, emphasizing the need to prioritize a stable planet over further fossil fuel profits.
Mr Justice Mould ruled that the exploration licences are lawful. He acknowledged the inherent risk of accidents, including spills, in offshore activities but found that the government's assessment process, which treated accidental events as outside the 'work plan,' was reasonable and properly precautionary.
