A group of concerned citizens identified as Attorney Elizabeth Deane Hughes, Ms Vanda Radzik and others have filed an appeal against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to exempt the government’s planned 300MW Natural Gas Fired Power Plant from conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The appeal is scheduled for a public hearing on March 22, 2023, but the appellants have requested a postponement on several grounds.
The appellants argue that the EPA’s decision violates the Environmental Protection Act and the principles of natural justice. They claim that they have not received the rules governing the process and procedure of the public hearing, nor have they received the requested evidence from both the EPA and ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), which is involved in the Gas to Energy Project.
The appellants say that they need at least 14 days from the date of receipt of these rules and evidence to prepare their cases comprehensively. They also question how the public hearing will be recorded and whether it will be accessible to civic and civil society after the hearing.
The appellants contend that the proposed project will have significant environmental and social impacts that require a thorough assessment. They point out that natural gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. They also express concerns about potential air pollution, water contamination, noise disturbance, land use conflicts, waste management, health risks, and human rights violations.
The appellants urge the government to reconsider its deal with ExxonMobil and its co-venturers, Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. They say that Guyana deserves a fair share of its oil and gas resources and should not pay taxes for foreign companies that exploit them. They also call for more transparency and accountability in the management of oil revenues.
The appellants hope that their appeal will be heard by an independent and credible Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) that will uphold environmental justice in Guyana. They also hope that their appeal will raise public awareness and mobilize support for their cause.
Despite their concerns, the appellants claim that they are being denied access to Zoom facilities, which greatly affects their submissions as their advisors, legal and technical, who are currently not in Guyana, will be denied the right to participate in the EAB hearing of the waiver of an EIA for the 300 MW Natural Gas Fired Power Plant at Wales, part of the Gas to Energy Project. They argue that this denial of access violates their right to be heard, particularly for those unable to travel to the location due to Covid-19 or care-giving responsibilities.
The appellants have written to the EPA and EEPGL seeking evidence necessary for a comprehensive presentation at the hearing, but to date, they have received no acknowledgment or response. They have also sent a letter requesting the postponement of the public hearing to the EAB, but they have yet to receive a response.
The US Embassy has been informed of these denials along with other infractions of the laws of Cooperative Republic of Guyana in the implementation of the Gas to Energy Project.
The appellants hope that their appeal will be heard by an independent and credible Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) that will uphold environmental justice in Guyana.
