Greenpeace asks Norway's supreme court to rule on Arctic oil

(Reuters, 24 Feb 2020) If the supreme court takes up the case, the decision is likely to determine whether oil firms can search for hydrocarbons off northern Norway

OSLO, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Greenpeace and its partners on Monday asked Norway's supreme court to rule on the legality of the country's Arctic oil and gas exploration licences, in a case that could block the petroleum industry's expansion plans.

If the supreme court takes up the case, the decision is likely to determine whether oil firms can search for hydrocarbons off northern Norway, where authorities believe billions of barrels of oil could be found.

Two lower courts have found the government's plan to drill was legal, rejecting the environmentalists' claim it breached people's constitutional right to a healthy environment.

If, as expected the court takes up the case, it would hear it this year or next and its decision would be the final word. First, a formal process has to be followed involving the appeal court, a spokesman said.

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Reuters, 24 Feb 2020: Greenpeace asks Norway's supreme court to rule on Arctic oil

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