پژوهشنامه حقوق اسلامی (Feb 2024)
A Comparative Study of the Iranian Legal System with International Rules and Regulations Regarding Prevention of Oil and Gas Pollution
Abstract
∴ Introduction ∴ The prevention of pollution, particularly stemming from the oil and gas industry, stands as a pivotal measure in safeguarding the environment from irreparable damage. At its core, prevention acts as a formidable barrier against the creation of existing hazards, with a primary objective of preserving the environment. Recognizing its significance, international environmental law defines the principle of prevention as not only averting the occurrence of environmental hazards but also mandating actions that mitigate harm in the event of their occurrence. The intricate interconnection of the prevention principle with other environmental tenets, including the precautionary principle, principle of sovereignty, conservation-use, no-harm principle, principle of cooperation, environmental protection, and sustainable development, underscores its centrality in the global efforts toward environmental preservation. The repercussions of oil pollution, a subset of environmental pollution, are substantial, inflicting irreversible damage on ecosystems and living organisms. Given the transboundary nature of oil pollution, the international community has been prompted to establish a framework of regulations aimed at preventing and mitigating such pollution. This research delves into the importance of pollution prevention, examining the incorporation of this principle in both international and Iranian legal systems. The subsequent sections delve into the standards, principles, and the level of emphasis given to prevention in international and domestic laws and regulations related to the oil and gas sector. ∴ Research Question ∴ This study seeks to address the following central question: to what extent do the Iranian legal system and international legal instruments align in their emphasis on the prevention of pollution resulting from oil and gas activities? The research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal frameworks, exploring whether the principle of prevention is uniformly prioritized and integrated into the pertinent legislations on both the global and national scales. ∴ Research Hypothesis ∴ Based on the intricate interconnectedness of international environmental principles and the historical development of regulations following catastrophic incidents such as the Torrey Canyon oil spill, we hypothesize that both international and Iranian legal frameworks emphasize the principle of prevention in addressing pollution resulting from oil and gas activities. The hypothesis posits that an alignment exists between the global and national legal approaches, emphasizing the proactive mitigation of environmental harm through preventive measures. ∴ Methodology & Framework, if Applicable ∴ To investigate the alignment of the Iranian legal system with international instruments and regulations regarding pollution prevention in the oil and gas sector, a descriptive and comparative approach was employed. The research extensively reviewed library documents, referencing texts of conventions, and scrutinized both domestic and international regulations. The comparative framework focused on identifying commonalities and divergences in the emphasis placed on the principle of prevention. The research methodology also considered historical events, such as the Torrey Canyon incident, as pivotal moments shaping the trajectory of international environmental regulations. In navigating the comparative analysis, the study categorized legal instruments into international conventions and Iranian laws, providing a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape. By employing a meticulous examination of these documents, the research aimed to uncover the nuances in the application of the principle of prevention, providing insights into the extent to which both legal frameworks address the challenges posed by pollution resulting from oil and gas activities. ∴ Results & Discussion ∴ The analysis of international and domestic regulations reveals a significant emphasis on the principle of prevention in addressing oil and gas pollution. International environmental instruments, reflecting a collective global consciousness, underscore the critical role of prevention in averting and mitigating environmental harm caused by these pollutants. The overarching conclusion is that states are entrusted to undertake activities only if they can demonstrate that such actions will not harm the environment. This necessitates strict adherence to constitutional laws, ordinary laws, regulations, and both domestic and international customs. The prevention principle, being interconnected with other environmental tenets, resonates across various international standards, including the principle of precautionary, principle of sovereignty, no-harm principle, principle of cooperation, information disclosure, environmental protection, and principle of sustainable development. The international arena showcases a prioritization of these principles, fortifying compliance with the principle of prevention. Countries that manifest a commitment to these principles garner greater global acceptance in the ongoing fight against environmental degradation. Within the internal context, the focus on Iran sheds light on its legislative landscape encompassing laws, plans, guidelines, regulations, and standards pertaining to prevent pollution, cooperation, confrontation, preparedness, protection, rehabilitation, and identification of affected areas. While Iran aligns itself with international actions and conventions, concerns arise regarding the seventh development plan code draft, marked by generality, ambiguity, and a lack of specificity in addressing environmental issues. The need for a distinct environmental chapter, issue-oriented approaches, ecological balance considerations, and guarantees for implementation are apparent shortcomings. ∴ Conclusion ∴ In conclusion, the imperative to protect against oil and gas pollution has precipitated the establishment of various international conventions and regulations. The principle of prevention emerges as a cornerstone in this effort, both at the global and national levels. Governments, bound by this principle, are mandated to ensure that their activities do not harm the environment, necessitating compliance with a myriad of legal instruments. International collaboration is deemed crucial for the shared goal of safeguarding the environment from hazardous oil pollution. This collaboration requires continuous dialogue, legislative efforts, and the ratification of international conventions. As societies evolve, the commitment to environmental protection becomes more pronounced, with a focus on achieving sustainable development. Iran, as an oil-producing nation, aligns itself with the global community in supporting, protecting, and preventing environmental pollution, particularly from industrial oil emissions. However, as evidenced by the analysis of development plans, there is room for improvement in Iran's legislative approach. The seventh development plan code draft, in particular, reveals deficiencies in specificity, issue-oriented strategies, ecological considerations, and guarantees for implementation. Recommendations include the continuous dialogue and collaboration among countries, leveraging technological advancements for accurate prediction and simulation of future regulations, and the assessment of environmental consequences before oil exploration and extraction. Collaboration between petrochemical industries and research centers, both domestically and globally, is crucial to reducing the negative impacts of oil emissions. Specific principles and standards for oil and gas environmental protection should be recognized and emphasized in international conventions, reflecting a commitment to the overarching goal of preserving the environment for future generations.
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