Western Cape Court Halts TotalEnergies Project For Failing To Meet Environmental And Climate Laws

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Shahil Singh, legal advisor to The Green Connection, said the court found the EIA failed to assess the full impact of a major oil spill on local and neighbouring coastal communities, ignored coastal protection laws, and omitted crucial climate and fairness considerations.

“Oil spill and blowout contingency plans were kept from the public until after approval, denying communities a chance to comment.

“The minister must now restart the process, publish the spill response plans for public input, and properly assess both coastal and cross-border risks before any decision is made.

“This is a big win for transparency, precaution, and the rights of coastal communities and small-scale fishers,” Singh said.

Natural Justice, defending rights programme manager, Melissa Groenink-Groves, says: “This judgment is a victory in the growing opposition to oil and gas exploration in our country.

“Recently, a number of oil and gas projects have been given environmental authorisation, but this judgment again confirms that companies must follow due process, undertake comprehensive assessments and provide communities with an opportunity to have their voices heard, in respect of all relevant information.

“It confirms that our fight for our environmental rights is strong, and that we must continue for the future for our children.

“Where necessary, we will continue to turn to our courts to not only stop the takers who parade under the guise of growth and development, but to ensure that impacts of oil and gas exploration and production are properly scrutinised and that our people and our resources are not exploited.”

Government and TotalEnergies are yet to comment.