Environmental Aid has launched a lawsuit against the 18-year permit granted to the One-Dyas corporation for natural gas drilling near Borkum and Schiermonnikoog. This permit, issued by the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology, has faced strong opposition from environmental groups and local residents. The proposed drilling site, located 20 kilometers northwest of Borkum, threatens the ecological integrity of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and poses significant risks to climate goals.
The lawsuit is supported by several organizations, including BUND and the Citizens' Initiative Clean Air East Frisia. Moreover, Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs from the Green Party has shown support for the legal action. The drilling plans have sparked criticism for their potential environmental impact and their perceived lack of necessity for Germany's energy supply.
Borkum's mayor, Jürgen Akkermann, has also voiced his concerns, announcing plans to explore legal avenues against the permit. The project's future hinges not only on the lawsuit's outcome but also on an agreement between Germany and the Netherlands. The drilling would occur on both German and Dutch territories, adding a layer of international complexity.
Environmental advocates argue that the gas extraction project is unnecessary and could endanger the delicate ecosystems of the National Park Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer. As the legal battle unfolds, the call for a political halt to the gas drilling project continues to gain momentum, reflecting broader environmental and climate concerns.
