GREENPEACE LEGAL CHALLENGE TO OIL LICENSING OF ATLANTIC FRONTIER - NEXT MOVE
20 October 1997
Greenpeace has announced the next move in its legal campaign to stop oil licensing in the Atlantic Frontier region to the west of the Shetland Isles.
After its leave application for a full Judicial investigation was refused last Tuesday, Greenpeace today said that it would take the matter to Europe.
Greenpeace will be lodging an official complaint about the breach of the European Habitats Directive (as it relates to the coral Lophelia Pertusa) with the European Commission. Greenpeace claims that the Directive was breached by the 17th licensing round and this formed the basis of its Judicial investigation case. The European Commission has the power to investigate breaches of law and to commence proceedings against the UK Government in the European Court of Justice.
Executive Director of Greenpeace, Peter Melchett said, "Doubt still hangs over the 17th round and the future of oil licensing in the Atlantic Frontier. We will continue to use the most effective means within our power to stop the senseless destruction to the environment and climate which this oil development represents. It isn't over."
The advice obtained by Greenpeace was that despite the strength of its legal case, an Appeal would lead to such a delay in the hearing that the Court would be extremely unlikely to quash the 17th Round licences because of the level of financial investment made by the oil companies.
The Judgement has, however, opened up the possibility of other legal challenges to future oil licensing rounds in the Atlantic Frontier that Greenpeace will considering.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Greenpeace Press Office on 0171-865 8255/6/7/8