Gas decree must be clearer: Groningen authorities appeal
Gas extraction from the Groningen field has ceased. Nevertheless, the Groningen authorities are appealing the 2023–2024 final decision this year because it contains ambiguities and contradictions. The decision specifies when the Groningen field must be reduced to a pilot-light level so that any emergencies during a cold spell can be managed. The region is initiating legal proceedings to seek clarity on this matter.
Annual gas decree
In the annual gas decree , the State Secretary gas decree how much gas must be extracted from the Groningen field, how this is to be done, and what the consequences will be. The gas decree an order to NAM, and NAM must carry out the order exactly as specified.
Rules are unclear and contradictory
The gas decree determines 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 enable responding to any emergencies during the cold period. The regulations imposed 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 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 written response. 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 seeking a preliminary injunction from the judge presiding over preliminary relief proceedings. By the time the appeal is heard by the Council of State, winter will likely be over. In the meantime, an unclear decision would remain in effect—precisely during the winter months. A preliminary injunction prevents that. In addition to this legal proceeding, the region has sent a letter to State Secretary Vijlbrief highlighting issues of importance to the region regarding potential gas extraction, safety, seismicity, reinforcement, damage, and social disruption.
Review of the gas decree
The Groningen authorities review the adoption decision for the next gas year on an annual basis. The appeal process is initiated by the Province of Groningen, the councils , 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.