UK withdraws from Energy Charter Treaty, following similar moves by EU countries

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s government says it is withdrawing from a controversial international energy treaty after efforts to modernize it ended in stalemate. The U.K.’s move followed similar announcements recently by France, Germany and other European Union countries to quit the Energy Charter Treaty. Many critics say the treaty is being used by the fossil fuel industry to legally challenge governments over their climate policies. The treaty entered into force in 1998 to protect and encourage international investment in the energy sector. But a number of countries have faced costly legal challenges over reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and boosting greener energy sources.