2024-11-05 05:00:00
Greenpeace Romania files a lawsuit at the Bucharest Administrative Court against the approval of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the mega Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea. According to Greenpeace, the responsible environmental protection authority did not comply with legal requirements when approving the EIA of the offshore gas project of OMV Petrom and Romgaz. Serious consequences for climate protection and risks to people and nature were ignored during the approval process. If the lawsuit is successful, the project must be stopped for the time being and the environmental impact assessment reopened. Greenpeace is therefore calling for a halt to construction until the responsible courts have made a ruling.
Marc Dengler, climate and energy expert at Greenpeace: “The construction of Neptune Deep contradicts any climate protection efforts. To claim that this mega gas project is in the interests of the environment and sustainability is not only wrong, but also irresponsible of OMV. The greenhouse gas forecast is glossed over with tricks, the risk from war mines floating in the Black Sea is not even mentioned.”
Neptun Deep is the largest planned fossil gas project within the EU. From the end of 2027, OMV Petrom and the Romanian state-owned company Romgaz want to extract a total of 100 billion cubic meters of climate-damaging gas there, thereby causing 276 million tons of greenhouse gases. That’s as much as Austria emits in three and a half years. In addition to the environmental impact assessment, the final building permit and approval from the Offshore Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority are also pending. Despite the lack of permits and judgments, OMV Petrom and Romgaz have already started initial construction work on land. The “Transocean Barents” drilling rig is already on its way to the Romanian port city of Constanta.
Greenpeace analysis of the EIA documents for Neptun Deep: https://act.gp/3OHzU46
Current position of the drilling rig:
Factsheet Seeminen:
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**Interview with Maria Ionescu, Greenpeace Romania Campaign Coordinator**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Maria. Recently, Greenpeace Romania filed a lawsuit against the approval of the environmental impact assessment for the Neptun Deep gas project. Can you tell us more about what prompted this legal action?
**Maria Ionescu:** Thank you for having me. Our decision to file this lawsuit stems from serious concerns regarding the environmental approval process for the Neptun Deep project. We believe that the responsible environmental protection authority failed to follow legal requirements when assessing the potential impacts of this offshore gas extraction. Our investigation revealed neglect of significant consequences for climate protection, as well as risks to local communities and ecosystems.
**Interviewer:** What specific risks do you see associated with the Neptun Deep project that you believe were overlooked?
**Maria Ionescu:** The Neptun Deep project poses multiple risks, including potential oil spills, harm to marine biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Moreover, the environmental assessment did not adequately consider the impact on local fishing communities and their livelihoods. These issues must not be ignored, given that the Black Sea is already facing environmental stress.
**Interviewer:** If the lawsuit succeeds, what would be the immediate implications for the Neptun Deep project?
**Maria Ionescu:** Should we win the lawsuit, it would require a halt to construction activities while the environmental impact assessment is reopened. This would not only provide an opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the project’s implications but also ensure that all legal and environmental standards are met. It’s crucial that we prioritize environmental protection over short-term economic gains.
**Interviewer:** Greenpeace has been vocal in opposing the Neptun Deep project. What message do you want to send to the authorities and the public through this protest and lawsuit?
**Maria Ionescu:** Our message is clear: we must treat our environment with respect and prioritize sustainable development. We urge the authorities to reconsider their decisions and put people and nature first. Additionally, we appeal to the public for support in seeking a cleaner and greener future for everyone. We cannot afford to overlook the importance of environmental stewardship in the face of climate change.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maria. It’s an important issue, and we appreciate your insights.
**Maria Ionescu:** Thank you for bringing attention to this matter. Together, we can advocate for a better, more sustainable world.
