In a significant win for fossil fuel opponents, the U.K. Supreme Court issued a ruling on Thursday that mandates planners to consider greenhouse gas emissions from burning extracted oil when reviewing well-drilling permits. The case stemmed from a challenge against Surrey County Council's decision to permit additional oil wells at the Horse Hill site near London Gatwick Airport.
The challenge was brought forth by a woman acting on behalf of the Weald Action Group, contending that the environmental impact assessment conducted prior to the permit approval had failed to account for future emissions resulting from the burning of the extracted oil over a 20-year period. The Supreme Court, in a 3-2 decision, sided with the argument, deeming the council's approval unlawful due to the oversight in assessing the climate impact of the oil combustion.
The ruling was hailed as a significant vindication by the challenger, who emphasized the importance of considering climate impact in all planning decisions related to fossil fuel production. This victory adds to the growing trend of climate-related court cases globally, with activists increasingly turning to legal avenues to drive climate action.
The Horse Hill site, once dubbed the 'Gatwick Gusher,' had the potential to meet a substantial portion of the U.K.'s oil demand, sparking both support and opposition. Concerns over environmental impact, including seismic activity linked to drilling, fueled protests against the project.
Following the court ruling, the company behind the project, UKOG, announced a strategic shift away from oil and gas towards underground hydrogen storage. Plans for the site will be revised to avoid triggering a mandatory environmental review, with a focus on producing fewer barrels of oil per day.
The decision sets a precedent for more rigorous assessment of climate impact in future fossil fuel projects, marking a turning point in the fight against unchecked emissions and environmental degradation.
