Energy
Monday, November 6th, 2023 8:38 pm EDT
Key Points
- Chancellor Rishi Sunak considered proposals to deregulate North Sea oil and gas extraction, including reducing environmental assessments and public consultation times.
- UK civil servants warned that such radical deregulation would breach international law and the country’s legal obligations under environmental treaties.
- The final version of the oil and gas announcement in the King’s Speech was toned down after the officials’ intervention, focusing on tests for meeting environmental commitments and supporting the transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak reportedly considered proposals to deregulate North Sea oil and gas extraction but later watered down the plans after legal advice from UK civil servants. Sunak’s aides had requested options to increase oil and gas extraction, including proposals to reduce environmental assessments requirements and shorten public consultation times. Civil servants warned that radical deregulation would breach international law and the UK’s legal obligations under various environmental treaties. Sunak’s office ultimately accepted the advice, and the government opted to mandate annual drilling licenses while considering environmental commitments and the transition to net-zero emissions.
For the full original article, please click here: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/sunak-toned-down-north-sea-oil-and-gas-plans-after-legal-advice-1.1994688
