Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Transparency in environmental impact assessments for new oil and gas fields requires improvement.
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s publication of updated guidance on environmental impact assessments for new oil and gas fields, providing greater certainty to the sector. Given that each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis and the Government has not shared how factors will be weighted in its assessment, transparency surrounding the process could be improved, especially as this is an area of public interest. (Conclusion, Paragraph 75) 56
Government Response Summary
The government explains that each project is considered on its merits, with the Secretary of State balancing environmental effects against wider national benefits and objectives. It asserts that the existing EIA process already provides transparency through public notice and published decision reasons, without committing to new transparency measures.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Each individual project will be considered on its merits, in line with the applicable Regulations and relevant guidance. When reaching a decision as to whether agreement should be given to the grant of consent the Secretary of State will consider the environmental effects of the project (as required by the Offshore EIA Regulations) and will form a view of the overall balance of advantage between any potential significant effects on the environment and wider benefits to the interests of the nation and any other relevant factors in proceeding with the project. In reaching this view the Secretary of State will usually consider, amongst other matters, the severity, extent, understanding and duration of the significant effects, the Government’s overall energy and environmental objectives, and the potential economic and other advantages of the project proceeding. This includes an assessment of the extent to which the project aligns with the Government’s stated objectives for the future of the North Sea The EIA process already provides transparency. Relevant environmental information received from developers is subject to public notice where appropriate, to enable representations to be made by the public and civil society, and factored into the decision-making process. Once the Secretary of State has reached a decision, the developer will be notified and the decision published which will set out reasons for the decision.