It writes Altaposten. It is the work to build a 420 kV power line from Skaidi to Melkøya that is at the heart of the dispute.
The government will electrify Equinor’s gas plant on Melkøya in Hammerfest, but the power line that will carry electricity to the plant will pass through reindeer grazing areas.
It was the reindeer herding districts 22 Fiettar and 20 Kvaløy/Fàlà that went to court against the state in June, but they lost in the Vestre Finnmark district court. In its justification, the District Court emphasizes the economic consequences for society by not building the power line.
“The court has not had any doubts about the outcome in the appeal case. Although the districts have many objections to the decisions, and the pre-admission, on the other hand, it is clear that a halt in construction operations will have significant consequences for the builders, both practical and financial.”, says the ruling from Thursday.
Neither Altaposten nor NRK have so far been in contact with the reindeer herding districts or their lawyers. The ruling can be appealed.
The electrification of Melkøya is controversial and divides the inhabitants of Finnmark. In order for the gas plant to run on electricity, among other things, the government wants more wind power plants to be built in the county.
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2024-07-28 18:18:03
