August 2019 headlines
This month, Cuadrilla began fracking its second well at Preston New Road, near Blackpool. 12 days later it was ordered to stop after causing the UK’s largest fracking-induced earth tremor.
Ruth Hayhurst
Investigative journalist and environmental writer. Specialising in UK onshore oil and gas, fracking and the reaction to it.
Acquittal for sole campaigners arrested at Biscathorpe protests
The only two campaigners arrested during four months of protests outside Egdon’s oil exploration site at Biscathorpe in Lincolnshire were found not guilty yesterday (1 August 2019).
August 2019 diary
Events in August 2019 and beyond about UK fracking, onshore oil and gas and campaigning
Regulator approves frack plan for second Lancashire shale gas well
The Environment Agency (EA) confirmed today that it had approved Cuadrilla’s hydraulic fracturing plan for the second shale gas well at its Preston New Road site near Blackpool.
Labour leader joins Lancashire campaigners to demand ban on fracking
Jeremy Corbyn met campaigners outside Cuadrilla’s shale gas site near Blackpool this afternoon and repeated his call on the government to ban fracking.
48% oppose change to fracking earth tremor rules – new poll
Calls by the shale gas industry to relax the rules on earth tremors induced by fracking are not widely supported by the public, according to a new poll.
Campaigners disappointed as council drops case in Wressle oil appeal
Egdon Resources, the company behind plans for long-term oil production at Wressle near Scunthorpe, said today North Lincolnshire Council had withdrawn its case against the company.
UKOG’s Surrey drilling plans: Dunsfold decision postponed and new consultation on Horse Hill
The decision on plans to drill two wells near a Surrey village has been delayed.
Cuadrilla profits fall in “relentless and exhilarating year”
Cuadrilla saw profits drop by a third in 2018, according to annual accounts published this week.
Reshuffle: Leadsom to business; Jenrick to local government
Andrea Leadsom has been appointed the new business and energy secretary with responsibility for the onshore oil and gas industry. The new local government secretary, who will decide on two shale gas planning appeals, is Robert Jenrick.
DRILL OR DROP? 