Ruth Hayhurst
Investigative journalist and environmental writer. Specialising in UK onshore oil and gas, fracking and the reaction to it.
Cuadrilla case study in building trust – “incorrect and misleading”, says Balcombe residents’ group
16th April 2014 A residents’ group in Balcombe has called on the Confederation of British Industry to correct statements made on its website about Cuadrilla’s community engagement in the village.
Sick witness delays first appeal in Balcombe protest cases
16th April 2014 The first appeal of an anti-fracking campaigner convicted after last year’s Balcombe protests has been adjourned because a police officer due to give evidence was ill.
Anti-fracking protest trial adjourned until September
15th April 2014 Two anti-fracking campaigners accused of assaulting a police officer at last year’s Balcombe protests had their trial delayed for six months this morning. Beaujolais Bulman (26), of Lancaster, is charged with assaulting PC Llewellyn on August 19th last year outside Cuadrilla’s oil exploration site. Maria Sanders […]
Guest post: “IPCC tries a gamble with shale gas”
14th April 2014 The latest IPCC report urges a dash for gas to allow us to reduce the burning of coal. And it accepts the use of shale gas, which threatens to be far more polluting than originally thought. ALEX KIRBY, of the CLIMATE NEWS NETWORK, argues that the IPCC […]
Government proposes change to permitting for oil storage on exploration sites
14th April 2014 The government wants to allow onshore oil exploration sites to store up to 200 tonnes of crude oil for up to six months without applying for an environmental permit.
Wind farms more popular than fracking sites – new research
14th April 2014 More people would prefer a wind farm in their local council area than a fracking site, according to research published today by YouGov for the renewables company, Ecotricity.
Energy secretary confirms one high volume hydraulic fracture in the UK
12th April 2014 The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change has written to the Conservative MP, Peter Lilley, confirming that only one well in the UK has used high volume hydraulic fracturing.
Onshore shale oil and gas “too dangerous to proceed with”, Balcombe residents’ group warns government
12th April 2014 The Frack Free Balcombe Residents’ Association (FFBRA) has called for a block on all future onshore oil and gas licences in the UK. It also says Environmental Impact Assessments should be carried out on all existing licences.
Government urged to block oil and gas exploration in areas of outstanding natural beauty
11th April 2014 Oil and gas exploration should be banned in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) unless it is in the national interest and only when the circumstances are exceptional. That’s the view of the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty* (NAAONB), in response to […]
DRILL OR DROP? 