UK government will not fight Rosebank oil field legal challenge

Published On Aug 29, 2024, 3:45 AM

The UK government has decided not to contest legal challenges from Greenpeace and Uplift regarding drilling consents for the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields. This aligns with a recent Supreme Court ruling which mandates that climate impact assessments must consider the emissions generated by the use of fossil fuels (Scope 3 emissions). Though the drilling licenses are still in place, a favorable outcome for the environmental groups could force operators like Equinor, Ithaca Energy, and Shell to reassess their environmental impact plans, leading to delays and increased costs. The government emphasizes the importance of oil and gas in the economy during the transition to clean energy, yet remains under pressure from environmental advocates who argue against the viability and environmental impact of such projects.