Review of 2014
Catch up on the headlines with our quick review of fracking and onshore oil and gas news from 2014. Click here for our more detailed month-by-month round-up of the year, with links to posts and source material.
South Downs oil well faces plugging if new owner not found
An oil well drilled in the South Downs National Park in 2010 could be abandoned because the companies behind it have given up their exploration plans for the area. The decision follows a study which found there was little prospect of finding shale oil or gas.
Broadford Bridge drilling planned for spring 2015
The exploratory oil well planned for Broadford Bridge, near Billingshurst in West Sussex, is likely be drilled in spring 2015, according to information for investors. The cost of drilling is estimated at $5m (£3.17m) and, under a deal with the UK government, the well would secure the future […]
Guest Post: Language, argument and science in the fracking debate
There is evidence that both sides in the fracking debate fail to use science to support their arguments, according to new research among supporters and opponents of the technique. The study also concludes that the pro-fracking side relies on almost unlimited amounts of lobbying money, while the anti-frackers […]
Small shale gas companies fear they will be squeezed out of the UK
A UK fracking industry could be dominated by overseas companies that fly in staff and equipment and take their profits home, a new business group has warned.
Doubts over ability of local councils to assess shale gas risk – new survey
Local authorities lack competence to deal with important issues in shale gas planning applications, according to a majority of respondents to a new survey.
Balcombe lawyers say dismissed judicial review will lead to better decisions
Lawyers representing residents who sought to overturn Cuadrilla’s planning permission to test its exploratory oil well in Balcombe said the judicial review raised important issues.
Judge rules against camp at West Newton drill site and awards £10,000 costs
A High Court judge has ordered the removal of a camp outside Rathlin Energy’s exploratory drilling site at West Newton in East Yorkshire.
Judge rules against Balcombe residents – detailed report
A group of Balcombe residents has failed in its legal fight to quash the planning permission granted to Cuadrilla to test and carry out flaring at an exploratory oil well in the village.
Breaking: Balcombe residents lose judicial review of Cuadrilla planning permission
A group of Balcombe residents has lost its High Court battle to overturn the planning permission granted to Cuadrilla to test an exploratory oil well in their village.
DRILL OR DROP? 