New emissions guidance published for North Sea oil and gas projects

The UK government has published guidance on how it will consider fresh applications for oil and gas projects.

Operators will now have to draw up new environmental impact assessments that take emissions released from burning oil and gas into account – not just the emissions from production.

The move will determine whether production can go ahead in the controversial Scottish fields Rosebank and Jackdaw – but gives no indication as to whether ministers would give their approval.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said the guidance provided clarity on the way forward for the North Sea oil and gas industry.

However climate campaigners say new developments will…