Equinor Faces Legal Challenge Over Oz Bight Drilling

The Wilderness Society South Australia January 22 said it has started legal proceedings in the Australian federal court to challenge the environmental approval recently granted to Equinor to drill in the Great Australian Bight.

“Despite constant criticism, and unlike other companies such as BP and PGS, Equinor refused to formally consult the Wilderness Society South Australia or other environment groups, including those in the Great Australian Bight Alliance, on its plans. Equinor also refused to formally consult key indigenous groups and local governments. These omissions are key to the organisation’s legal challenge,” Wilderness Society South Australia said.

Last month, Australian offshore safety and environment regulator, National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (Nopsema) approved Norwegian Equinor’s plan for exploratory offshore drilling in the Great Australian Bight near South Australia.