EU Energy Crisis: Permitting Exemptions Exploited for Fossil Fuel Projects (euobserver.com)

• EU intended permitting exemptions for renewables are being applied to fossil fuel projects.
• Industry lobby groups exploiting emergency energy measures.
• CO2 pipelines and fossil hydrogen among projects benefiting.
• Critics say this undermines legal protections for nature.

"The European Union's urgent push to address the energy crisis is leading to permitting exemptions that were intended for renewable energy projects. However, industry lobby groups are exploiting these exemptions to fast-track fossil fuel projects, including CO2 pipelines and fossil hydrogen facilities. This undermines legal protections for citizens and the environment, critics warn. The article argues that the influence of corporate interests threatens the green transition and could lock in fossil fuel infrastructure for decades."