An MHK is to table a petition calling for an urgent review of the government’s policy to lease territorial waters for offshore energy projects.
A separate petition, which organisers claims is signed by more than 8,000 residents, has been running online opposing the plans.
Andrew Smith MHK will present Ian Strafford’s petition to Tynwald, which highlights four alleged fundamental flaws in the policy.
The petition argues that no minimum value has been set for the territorial seabed and associated environment, meaning “when weighing the environmental detriment to the Isle of Man (which is considerable), there has been no consideration of the minimum ‘worth’ of that environment”.
It claims legal precedent in UK law demonstrates “that fiscal revenue cannot be considered when assessing a planning balance of environmental detriment”.
Uncertainty
The petition also raises concerns about financial uncertainty, stating the income structure is “totally reliant on aspects which are entirely outwith of the influence of the Isle of Man Government.”
It further notes that a Marine Spatial Plan does not currently exist, with the petition describing “the premature allocation of sea space ahead of a clearly articulated and approved Marine Spatial Plan” as “imprudent”.