Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill on the restoration of marine habitats.

The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED) is responsible for regulating the environmental activity for oil and gas operations. Licenses are awarded by the North Sea Transition Authority only after OPRED is satisfied that the oil and gas activities will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of a relevant Special Area of Conservation or Special Protection Area; or significantly hinder the achievement of the conservation objectives of relevant areas. The Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill will not affect this comprehensive legal framework of environmental protection measures.