Red Tape Challenge To Improve Offshore Environment Related Regulations

The UK Government's "red tape challenge" was launched in April 2011 with the intention of reducing the regulatory burden on UK business whilst maintaining adequate safeguards. The review encompasses consideration of both general regulations that cross all sectors (such as health and safety and environment) and examination of selected sectors and industry such as the Energy industry. The review does not cover legislation that is the devolved responsibility of the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The potential "gold plating" of EU regulations is however considered.

Following on from earlier announcements, the Government has recently released the results of the Energy related review which includes offshore oil and gas exploration and production. The outcome is the proposed repeal of 86 regulations and amendments to 48 regulations. A number of existing regulations and Acts of Parliament were reviewed and shall be retained without change. This update