Federal Court of Campana
Hahn and others
Araucaria Energy Sociedad Anónima
A group of Argentine residents sued APR Energy SRL, a power company, over alleged environmental and health impacts caused by a power plant project in Argentina.
The plaintiffs claimed that the project, which involved the installation and operation of gas turbines, led to air and noise pollution as well as adverse health effects for nearby residents. They argued that the company failed to adequately assess and mitigate these impacts, violating their right to a healthy environment. The case highlighted the tensions between economic development and environmental protection, and the importance of considering local communities’ well-being in developing large-scale energy projects.
In November and December 2017, the Federal Court of Campana halted the construction and operation of certain power plants, citing the General Act of the Environment and the protection of collective interests. The Court did not directly address climate impacts. The Federal Court of Appeals of San Martin upheld these decisions.
Additionally, the Campana Court in December of 2022 permitted in part the operation of the Matheu III plant for six months, citing the global energy crisis. However, in June 2023, it decided not to renew this permission given noise pollution concerns raised by the Municipality of Pilar. APR Energy also proposed a plan to decommission the Matheu plant.