The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been sued over a decision to issue environmental permits to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd authorizing offshore drilling for 24 years.
The lawsuit filed in the Constitutional and Administrative Division of the High Court was brought by Dr. Troy Thomas, a scientist and the former President of Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI). The matter which lists Esso Exploration as an interested party is expected to be heard on September 21, 2020, before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.
In the lawsuit, Dr. Thomas claims that the permits issued to Esso violate the EPA’s regulations. He noted the EPA’s Regulation 19, specifically cites the limits the issuance of permits to five years.
However, the permit for Liza Phase 1 was granted to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd on 1st June 2017 and says that it continues until 31st December 2040 – 23 years and seven months later. The permit for Liza Phase 2 was also granted for 24 years.
As such, Dr. Thomas is requesting that the Court cancels the environmental permits that were issued to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd and instruct the EPA to issue corrected permits ending within the five-year period set by the regulations.
Further, the former TIGI head wants the Court to prohibit the issuance of permits for longer than five years.
See more here: https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2020/08/29/epa-sued-for-breaking-law-to-grant-permits-to-oil-company/