Exxon Mobil is suing the Dutch government for its decision to phase out gas exploration in Groningen, the Netherlands. They are using the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) to do so. The EU and the Dutch government have already decided to step out of the ECT but several other EU countries are still staying in.
Paul de Clerck, trade expert at Friends of the Earth Europe comments:
‘Gas production in Groningen has ruined the lives of thousands of people and contributed massively to climate change. Exxon Mobil knew this for over a decade. Claiming massive compensation from the Dutch government shows how ruthless the company is.
It also illustrates clearly how the Energy Charter Treaty is being used by fossil fuel companies to undermine the energy transition and the phase out of fossil fuels. This case is the best proof that the ECT is not compatible with the fight against climate change and that all countries should leave the ECT.’
Donald Pols, Director of Milieudefensie/Friends of the Earth the Netherlands said:
‘For years, Exxon made a profit of billions of euros at the expense of people in Groningen. It is shameless to see that the fossil giant is now making a claim to the Dutch government. It shows clearly that big polluters don’t care about citizens and the climate. In times of climate disasters, like hurricanes and floods, Exxon is doing exactly the opposite from what it should be doing.’
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Stop the Energy Charter Treaty
The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is a major obstacle to fast and effective action on the climate and environmental crisis. Our transformation to a green and fair society will become harder, slower and more expensive if we don’t stop it.
