French Court Delays Decision on Controversial Seine-et-Marne Oil Drilling Project

The tribunal deemed the project’s environmental impact study inadequate and granted 10 months for revisions before a final ruling.

The administrative court in Melun has postponed its ruling on the legality of two planned oil wells in Nonville, Seine-et-Marne, citing gaps in the environmental impact study.
Bridge Energies, the smallest oil producer in France, was authorized in January 2024 to drill two new wells, but the court identified issues including insufficient biodiversity assessments and missing financial guarantees.
Eau de Paris and environmental groups oppose the project, citing risks to water sources serving 180,000 people and potential harm to a Natura 2000-protected area near the site.
The tribunal rejected some arguments from opponents but highlighted specific legal deficiencies, giving the company and the state 10 months to address these issues.
Bridge Energies maintains that the project poses minimal environmental risks and argues that the court's demands are technical adjustments rather than substantial obstacles.