UK approves North Sea gas field, Burnham vows to keep climate goals
Britain has approved the long-delayed Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, The New York Times and The Guardian reported. Prime Minister Andy Burnham called it a "pragmatic" step. He also said Britain will still reach net zero by 2050.
Britain has approved the Jackdaw natural gas field in the North Sea, according to The New York Times and The Guardian. Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the country will still meet its climate goals.
The project had been stalled for a long time, the Times reported. The field lies off the coast of Scotland. Its gas would be used in Britain, the Times said.
Burnham called the choice "pragmatic," according to the Times. "Even on our ambitious climate path, we'll still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come," he said.
Energy prices have risen sharply because of the war in Iran, the Times reported. British leaders said the field would cut the country's need for imported fuel. "Gas from this field will begin heating our homes and powering our businesses this winter," Burnham wrote, according to The Guardian.
The approval is a big win for the oil and gas industry, unions and cities in northeast Scotland, the Times reported. It is also a win for President Trump, who has pushed British leaders to open up the North Sea, the Times said. Trump praised the decision online.
Environmental groups say the move undercuts a pledge to cut carbon emissions, the Times reported.
In an article for The Guardian, Burnham said his commitment to fighting climate change is "unwavering." He pledged to block new North Sea drilling permits and keep Britain on track for net zero by 2050, The Guardian reported. "The climate crisis is no distant threat," he wrote.
Burnham also pledged billions of dollars through a new fund to boost renewable energy, the Times reported. The Guardian said the fund will turn oil and gas tax money into clean energy projects.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said she alone will decide on a separate project, the Rosebank oilfield, The Guardian reported. Sources say she is leaning toward blocking it, the paper said.
What we know: Britain approved the Jackdaw gas field, and Burnham says net zero by 2050 still stands.
What we don't: Whether the Rosebank oilfield will be approved or blocked.
Where outlets agree The New York Times and The Guardian report that the UK government approved the Jackdaw gas field and that Andy Burnham defended the move while backing climate goals.
Where they differ The cited reports agree on the key facts so far.