Rosebank and Jackdaw offshore oil and gas fields legal challenges to go ahead
The groups are arguing that the impact of emissions from burning fossil fuels were illegally ignored
Two environmental organisations have been granted permission for a legal challenge on the Rosebank and Jackdaw offshore oil and gas fields in the North Sea.
The groups are arguing that the impact of emissions from burning the oil and gas extracted from the fields were illegally ignored.
They will state in court the burning of the oil and gas while ignoring the effects on the climate is both illegal and unsafe, also stating that Rosebank will damage a protected area in the North Sea and the surrounding marine life.
Mel Evans, Greenpeace UK's climate team leader, said: "We will continue to fight the corporate greed of fossil fuel companies like Equinor, Shell and Ithaca, and we look forward to our day in court.
"Both the Government and the Supreme Court agree that you cannot ignore the emissions generated from burning fossil fuels.
"Equinor, Shell and Ithaca know this, and they know that the consents for these fields are unlawful.
“But despite this they are continuing to develop them during this judicial review, putting people, marine life, and our climate at further risk."
She added: "Rosebank and Jackdaw will do nothing to help our energy security or bring down our bills, the oil and gas extracted will be sold on the international market, making these companies, their bosses and shareholders even richer
In August 2022, Norwegian oil company Equinor submitted an environmental statement to the UK Government outlining its plans to start work on the Rosebank field, which triggered the start of the assessment process.
Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, said: "The stakes in this case should not be underestimated.
"Experts have long warned that there can be no new oil and gas developments if we're to have a hope of staying within safe climate limits.
"With every passing month, the evidence against a huge project like Rosebank mounts up, whether that's months of flooded fields damaging UK food production, or extreme temperatures and lethal flooding across Europe.
"This case is about protecting ourselves against the worsening climate crisis and putting an end to oil and gas industry profiteering."
If the judicial reviews are successful, Uplift and Greenpeace will ask the court to quash the decisions to approve Rosebank, meaning the UK Government will be required to remake its decision in relation to Rosebank to fit legal requirements.
A spokesperson for Equinor said: "Equinor - in principle - does not comment on ongoing litigation.
"Equinor welcomed regulatory approvals for the Rosebank development in 2023 and will continue to work closely with all relevant parties to progress the project.
"It is vital for the UK and will bring benefits in terms of local investment, jobs and energy security."
Ithica has been contacted for comment. Shell could not be reached for comment.
The challenges will be heard in the Scottish Court of Session in November.