| UK law not adequate to respond to a ‘Deepwater Horizon’ disaster |
|
25 October 2010 | Press release UK regulations around deepwater oil drilling are not adequate to respond to a ‘Deepwater Horizon’ disaster, ClientEarth will warn the UK’s Energy and Climate Change select committee tomorrow. ClientEarth lawyer Susie Wilks will explain how better EU-level regulation and cooperation between member states will be needed to prevent a major offshore oil spill and deal with the environmental and economic consequences in the event of an accident. The select committee invited non-profit law organisation ClientEarth and others to give evidence amid concerns that a major oil spill could occur in EU waters and that current regulations are not sufficient in dealing with such an event. Drilling for oil at greater ocean depths is becoming more commonplace as conventional sources become depleted. The risk of accidents occurring at deep water sites is more difficult to manage and predict. A key concern to be highlighted by ClientEarth is that current EU regulation does not provide a tough enough liability and compensation system to make sure that all the environmental damage caused by a spill would be paid for by the company responsible. This could result in inadequate responses to environmental pollution and place businesses dependent on the marine economy at financial risk. Susie Wilks, ClientEarth lawyer, explains: “The UK has done more than some EU member states to regulate offshore drilling and help ensure higher safety standards, but it is still not enough. The cross-border nature of the industry and any disaster which might occur means better EU-level regulation and member state cooperation is essential. The UK government needs to work with other member states to share best practice and support consistent regulation of offshore drilling in Europe to the highest possible standards.” ClientEarth will tell the select committee that EU-level oversight of offshore oil rig regulation in European waters is needed to provide better protection against a major spill. A stronger framework is needed to make sure a safety net exists to provide compensation for those affected by a spill and to pay for any environmental damage caused. Susie Wilks, “As it stands, there are important weaknesses in the regulation of the UK’s offshore oilrigs. Aspects of the safety regime need to be addressed and inadequate liability rules mean questions exist about how effective a clean-up operation would be and who would pay for it. While existing EU laws could provide some measure of protection, there are major gaps – like marine waters, which are not covered by the system at all.” ENDS Media Contacts Lewis Merdler | Communications assistant | t. +44(0) 203 030 5951 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Mike Haines | Communications officer | t. +44(0) 207 749 5978 | m. +44 (0)7538 418 460 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
