French Court Orders Government to Strengthen Efforts Against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution

The ruling compels the Brittany prefect to implement measures within ten months to address ecological harm caused by green algae blooms.

The administrative court in Rennes ruled that current government measures are insufficient to combat nitrate-driven green algae pollution in Brittany.
The court mandated the Brittany prefect to adopt effective controls and actions within ten months to mitigate ecological damage from agricultural nitrate runoff.
The association Eau et Rivières de Bretagne initiated legal action in 2022, citing failures in the state’s management of nitrogen pollution.
The court rejected the association's request for financial penalties on delays but awarded €5,000 for moral damages related to environmental harm.
Green algae blooms, linked to over 90% agricultural sources, have plagued Brittany's coasts since 1971, emitting toxic gases as they decompose.