Amendments to the Environmental Impact Assessment regime for offshore oil and gas projects

We’re seeking views on the proposed Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Production, Unloading and Storage (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2020 which would replace the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999.

The proposed 2020 Regulations would:

• consolidate, clarify and simplify the provisions of the 1999 Regulations
• provide a clear process for the publication and challenge of decisions
• incorporate other changes such as the inclusion of civil sanctions

An Impact Assessment is not required as the legislative amendments being introduced by the proposed 2020 Regulations would have no significant cost implications (that is, equal to or greater than £5 million a year) for the offshore oil and gas sector.

We welcome views from anyone with an interest, but in particular from:

• the offshore oil and gas industry
• industry trade associations
• nature conservation bodies
• environmental NGOs
• other government departments and agencies

See the BEIS consultation privacy notice.

Please do not send responses by post to the department as we will not be able to access them at this time.