| Response to UK Deepwater Drilling – Implications of the Gulf of Mexico Spill report by the UK Parliament’s Energy and Climate Change Committee |
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6 January 2011 | Press Release Susie Wilks, Biodiversity lawyer at environmental law organisation ClientEarth, gave evidence to the Committee in October. Ms Wilks said: “We’re pleased the Committee has recognised our point that oil spill liability and compensation systems across Europe are grossly inadequate. “They are right to highlight the inadequate sums available under voluntary industry compensation arrangements in the case of a big spill, and that EU liability rules would be unlikely to cover the gaps. The Committee is absolutely correct in its conclusion that any shortfall would be picked up by tax-payers. We are wholly supportive of their call for the UK Government to work with the EU to ensure that those responsible for environmental damage pick up the whole bill. “We are disappointed that the Committee has rejected any role for the EU to ensure regulatory standards are kept as high as possible throughout the North Sea. Oil spills do not respect national boundaries, and while transnational agreements are always welcome, they are no substitute for consistent best-practice across the EU.” ENDS Susie Wilks is available for comment, to speak to her contact the ClientEarth communications office on +44 (0) 203 030 5951 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Notes to editors: ClientEarth is an environmental law organisation working in the public interest. Based in Europe and operating globally, we address issues including deforestation, energy efficiency, biodiversity protection, and the transparency and enforcement of environmental law. www.clientearth.org |
