Facts
J. SA is considering the realization and operation of a pilot project for deep geothermal energy on the territory of the municipality of Haute-Sorne, in Glovelier, in the canton of Jura. The project has been the subject of a public inquiry and includes a cantonal special plan, changes to the zoning plan, a building permit, and an environmental impact report. The project has prompted 33 objections from several landowners.
The State Council of the canton of Jura has approved the cantonal special plan and the building permit, rejecting the objections. The Administrative Court of the canton of Jura has partially upheld the appeal of the objectors, annulling the building permit but integrating its provisions into the special plan. The objectors then appealed to the Federal Tribunal.
Considerations
The Federal Tribunal dismissed the appeal. It considered that the canton was competent to regulate the use of the subsoil and that the granting of a concession was not mandatory, a simple authorization regime being sufficient. Art…