Norwegian Supreme Court Halts Development of Oil and Gas Fields: A Victory for Environmentalists

Oslo, Norway – April 11, 2025 – In a landmark decision, the Norwegian Supreme Court has reinstated a ban on the development of three oil and gas fields located in the North Sea. This ruling follows an appeal from environmental organizations Greenpeace Nordic and Natur og Ungdom (Young Friends of the Earth Norway). Climate campaigners and youth activists have expressed their elation over this significant legal victory, affirming their commitment to halting the operation of these projects.

The dispute centers on the Norwegian State's approval of the Tyrving, Breidablikk, and Yggdrasil oil and gas fields. Critics argue that the government authorized these developments without properly assessing their potential environmental impacts on global climate change. In June 2023, Greenpeace Nordic and Natur og Ungdom filed a lawsuit against the Norwegian State, leading to an initial favorable ruling from the Oslo District Court in January 2024. This ruling imposed a temporary ban on all activities related to the contested fields.

After the State appealed the District Court's decision, the ban was briefly lifted by the Court of Appeal. However, the Supreme Court has now overturned that ruling, maintaining the ban and requiring all production and development activities to cease.

Frode Pleym, the head of Greenpeace in Norway, celebrated the Supreme Court's ruling, stating, “We’re elated. This is an important victory for the rule of law and the future of both people and nature. These oil and gas fields were approved illegally, and now Norway’s highest court has reinstated the ruling that all production and development must be stopped.”

Looking ahead, both the Norwegian State and the plaintiff organizations are poised to return to the Court of Appeals for further assessments of the case. Until a new ruling is provided, the current injunction from the Oslo District Court will remain in effect, prohibiting the government from granting new permits for these oil and gas projects.

Sigrid Losnegård, the head of Natur og Ungdom, emphasized the clarity of the Supreme Court's decision, urging the government to respect the ruling. “Now we await the government’s confirmation that they will respect the ruling from the Supreme Court and stop production and development at the three illegal oil and gas fields,” she remarked.

The organizations involved anticipate additional proceedings in the Court of Appeal and are confident that the Supreme Court's decision strengthens their argument that the Norwegian State’s actions contravene national law and international human rights norms.

As this case evolves, it highlights the ongoing tensions between environmental protections and energy development, reflecting broader global concerns about climate change and sustainable practices.

For more information and future updates, Greenpeace and Natur og Ungdom will continue to advocate for the protection of the environment and the rights of future generations.

Contact Information:

• Klimentina Radkova, Climate and Energy Advisor & Legal Campaigner, Greenpeace Norway, +4796846288, [email protected]
• Sigrid Hoddevik Losnegård, Head of Natur og Ungdom, +47 405 29 471, [email protected]
• Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

This ruling serves as a critical reminder of the role of judicial authority in regulating environmental policy and protecting natural resources for the benefit of future generations.