Gas decree must be clearer: region asks court for ruling

Regional commitment: clarify decision

The gas decree a far-reaching decision that affects residents' rights. Gas extraction from the Groningen field causes damage, unsafe conditions, and disruption. That is why the decision must be clear and consistent. However, the region feels that the gas decree lacks clarity and consistency gas decree already pointed this out to the State Secretary when the draft decision was presented. The State Secretary has not acted on the region's comments.

Much uncertainty for residents in current decision

The State Secretary has now decided that no gas may be extracted from the Groningen field unless a cold spell occurs. The region believes that the State Secretary has been unclear about the amount of gas that may be extracted in that case, how much production capacity would be required for that, and what consequences the State Secretary attaches to this for the reinforcement program. Residents, and certainly those living near the clusters, are entitled to expect clarity from the government.

Legal proceedings

The legal proceedings will commence with a hearing before the preliminary relief judge on December 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the court in The Hague. The preliminary relief judge will decide, in anticipation of the appeal being heard by the Council of State, whether the decision may be implemented until then or whether it will be suspended.

Assessment of gas decree

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.