The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has dropped its upcoming legal case against Woodside’s Scarborough Energy Project.
“Late last week it became apparent that the case was unlikely to succeed,” ACF said in a statement.
Related article: Why the new climate case against Woodside’s Scarborough gas project is so significant
“The reality is that Australia’s laws work in favour of fossil fuel interests. There is still no explicit requirement for climate damage to be considered under our key national nature law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. This means that, even today, major fossil fuel projects are being approved that will lock in huge volumes of carbon pollution well beyond 2050.
“This underlines the urgent need for stronger nature protection laws. We need laws that take into consideration the climate damage of fossil fuel projects and reject climate wrecking mines.”
Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said, “The Scarborough Energy Project will make an important contribution to energy security in Western Australia while providing energy to Asian economies as they decarbonise.
“The project is supported by and aligns with the energy policies of both the Australian and Western Australian Governments.”
Related article: Woodside inks $1.5 billion loan with Japan for Scarborough
The Scarborough Energy Project comprises the Scarborough Joint Venture, the Pluto Train 2 Joint Venture and modifications to Pluto Train 1 to process Scarborough gas.
The Scarborough Energy Project was 67% complete at the end of June 2024 and is on track to deliver the first LNG cargo in 2026.
