Gas decision must be clearer: Groningen authorities appeal
Gas extraction from the Groningen field has ceased. Nevertheless, the Groningen authorities are appealing against the 2023-2024 determination decision this year because it contains ambiguities and contradictions. The decision specifies when the Groningen field must be brought to pilot light level so that any emergencies during a cold period can be dealt with. The region is initiating legal proceedings to obtain clarity.
Annual gas decision
In the annual gas decree, the State Secretary determines how much gas must be extracted from the Groningen field, how this should be done, and what the consequences will be. The gas decree is an order to NAM, and NAM must carry out the order precisely.
Rules unclear and contradictory
The gas decree stipulates that no more gas will be extracted, but that the Groningen field must be brought to pilot light level in cold weather, when the temperature drops to -6.5°C or below. This will allow for any emergencies during the cold period to be dealt with. The rules set by the State Secretary in this regard are unclear and contradictory. For example, it is unclear whether all production clusters or only some of them must be started up during a cold period. Residents, and certainly those living near the clusters, are entitled to clarity from the government. The region has also insisted on this in its opinion. However, the current decision does not provide that clarity. That is why the region is lodging an appeal.
Legal proceedings
In addition to the appeal to the Council of State, the region is also applying for a provisional measure from the preliminary relief judge. By the time an appeal procedure is heard by the Council of State, winter will probably be over. In the meantime, an unclear decision would apply, particularly during winter. A provisional measure would prevent this. In addition to these legal proceedings, the region has sent a letter to State Secretary Vijlbrief highlighting issues that are important to the region in relation to possible gas extraction, safety, seismicity, reinforcement, damage, and social disruption.
Assessment of gas decision
The Groningen authorities assess the determination decision for the following gas year on an annual basis. The appeal procedure is initiated by the province of Groningen, the municipalities of Midden-Groningen, Het Hogeland, Eemsdelta, Groningen, Oldambt, Westerkwartier, Veendam, Stadskanaal, Pekela, and Westerwolde, the Groningen Safety Region, and the Noorderzijlvest and Hunze en Aa’s water boards.