Dutch gov't doing enough to protect locals in climate deal with Tata Steel, court rules

The State is not violating its obligations towards residents living near Tata Steel, the court in The Hague ruled on Friday. The Gezondheid op 1 Foundation had filed an injunction, accusing the State of conducting insufficient research into the health effects on locals while making climate agreements with the company.

Foundation director Antoinette Verbrugge says she is nevertheless pleased with the ruling. “It gives me goosebumps.” The judge gave the State “a clear mandate to uphold the right to a healthy living environment,” said Verbrugge.

The judge insisted on “objective and thorough monitoring” of Tata Steel’s emissions. “That is an indirect way to safeguard our health. The State has to work incredibly hard now. That is exactly what we keep asking for,” said Verbrugge. The foundation is still considering further steps.

Tata Steel said that it has “taken note” of the ruling. According to a spokesperson, this has no consequences for the talks with the central government regarding the tailored agreements for making the steel producer more sustainable. “We are still in very constructive and substantiated discussions with the government,” said Tata Steel.

Climate group Milieudefensie responded positively. “This ruling provides starting points,” the organization wrote. Milieudefensie worries that the government will pledge more support to Tata Steel in the future. "It is justified that the preliminary relief judge calls on politicians to take another close look at the danger of a subsidy trap."

The Cabinet is negotiating with Tata Steel for €2 billion in government support to reduce the steel manufacturer’s emissions of CO2 and other harmful substances, among other things. The agreements must be made by September 30 at the latest.

Tata Steel is the largest CO2 emitter in the Netherlands. RIVM research has shown that locals living near the factory have shorter lifespans due to the Tata Steel plant’s emissions.