The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling that may have significant implications for future oil and gas projects in the UK. The case brought against Surrey County Council by Sarah Finch, on behalf of campaigners, challenged the council’s decision to grant planning permission for the expansion of the Horse Hill oil well in Surrey.
The crux of the case was whether the council should have taken into account the full climate impact of burning oil from new wells, including downstream emissions, in their environmental impact assessment. The court ruled in favor of Ms. Finch, stating that the greenhouse gas emissions from burning the oil should have been considered as part of the assessment.
While the judgement does not outright reject the proposal for new oil wells, it sets a precedent for considering the downstream emissions of oil products in future projects. This decision could potentially affect other oil and gas projects in the UK, such as the Rosebank oil field and the proposed coal mine in Whitehaven in Cumbria.
Ms. Finch’s victory after a five-year legal battle signals a shift towards a more comprehensive assessment of the climate impact of fossil fuel projects. The ruling could also have implications beyond the UK, as the country’s environmental assessment laws are influenced by European legislation.
Overall, this decision serves as a significant step towards holding companies accountable for the full climate impact of their projects and aligning with the UK’s carbon reduction targets. It highlights the importance of considering not only the immediate impacts of projects but also the long-term environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels.
