<-- Back to proposed bills
Publication of environmental guidance
19 June 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The UK government is publishing new guidance on offshore environmental impact assessments following a Supreme Court ruling.
Action Requested
The government has published guidance for North Sea developers to consider the global environmental impacts of burning extracted oil and gas in their assessments, allowing them to submit applications that were previously on hold due to legal challenges. This decision aims to provide clarity to the UK's oil and gas sector while aligning with the government’s clean energy objectives.
Key Facts
- The Supreme Court ruled before this government took office regarding the environmental effects of burning extracted oil and gas.
- Offshore developers can now submit applications for consent to develop already licensed fields.
- £9.1 billion has been confirmed for carbon capture and storage projects as part of last week’s Spending Review.
- Feedback was gathered from industry, NGOs, academia, and the public during consultations.
- The guidance applies to applications for projects in North Sea oil and gas fields that are already licensed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy