The Clean Power 2030 action plan has put Environmental Outcomes Reports (EORs) back on the agenda.

Background

EORs were proposed by the previous UK Government to replace the current Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures (see blog).

Clean Power 2030 Action Plan

The Action Plan, published by the UK Government on 13 December, includes this announcement:

"We will publish our roadmap to bring forward Environmental Outcomes Reports in consultation with devolved government, introducing an outcomes-based approach will provide the certainty developers need to embed environmental considerations into the earliest stages of the project. This will allow stakeholders to focus on delivering for the environment rather than guarding against the risk of legal challenge which will reduce costs and delays from unnecessary work. The roadmap will include our approach to implementation to ensure a smooth transition for stakeholders."

Comment

The thrust of the Action Plan is to speed up consenting. It seems counter-intuitive to replace the settled EIA procedure with an innovative procedure, with all the consultation procedures and teething pains that involves.

The Scottish Government seem to have been taking a "wait and see" approach on EORs. This announcement may force them to declare support or opposition to this change. 

Contributor

Neil Collar

Partner