Detail of outcome
The government response conclusion outlines the amendments
we’ve made to the 2020 Regulations.
The 2020 Regulations will ensure full transposition of the
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive in respect
to offshore oil and gas projects, improve the procedure for
public participation and clarify aspects of the
environmental assessment and consenting process.
They will also introduce new inspection, investigation and
civil sanctions provisions to further enhance the EIA
regulatory regime for offshore hydrocarbon projects.
The 2020 Regulations will enter into force on 31 December
2020.
Detail of feedback received
We received 13 responses to the consultation, offering
comments on the proposals and specific suggestions for
revising provisions within the 2020 Regulations.
Respondents included:
- developers
- industry trade associations
- statutory consultees
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- other government departments / public bodies
- independent individuals
Original consultation
Summary
We're seeking views on draft Regulations to amend the offshore
oil and gas Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regime to make
the processes for challenging decisions clearer and enhance other
aspects.
This consultation ran from
10:30am on 24 July 2020 to
11:45pm on 2 October 2020
Consultation description
We’re seeking views on the proposed Offshore Oil and Gas
Exploration, Production, Unloading and Storage
(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2020 which
would replace the Offshore Petroleum Production and
Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects)
Regulations 1999.
The proposed 2020 Regulations would:
- consolidate, clarify and simplify the provisions of the
1999 Regulations
- provide a clear process for the publication and
challenge of decisions
- incorporate other changes such as the inclusion of
civil sanctions
An Impact Assessment is not required as the legislative
amendments being introduced by the proposed 2020
Regulations would have no significant cost implications
(that is, equal to or greater than £5 million a year) for
the offshore oil and gas sector.
We welcome views from anyone with an interest, but in
particular from:
- the offshore oil and gas industry
- industry trade associations
- nature conservation bodies
- environmental NGOs
- other government departments and agencies
See the BEIS consultation
privacy notice.
Please do not send responses by post to the department as
we will not be able to access them at this time.
Documents
