Environmental report for further onshore oil and gas licensing

The report identifies, describes and evaluates the likely significant effects on the environment of DECC’s proposals to invite applications for, and issue new licences, and of reasonable alternatives to that plan; and how these effects can be reduced or offset.

This report is a necessary part of a process of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

DECC will take consultation responses into account and will then issue a “Post-adoption statement” which will summarise how the government intends to proceed in relation to further onshore licensing.