Don’t “gold-plate” human rights when dealing with protest camps – ministers
The government has instructed local councils and the police to do more to stop protest camps, including those against oil and gas operations.
600+ election candidates sign frack free promise
More than 600 would-be MPs have so far promised to oppose fracking, according to figures from Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.
300+ MPs did not vote on underground waste disposal
A measure to take the siting of underground radioactive waste dumps out of local control came into force today after approval by only 277 of parliament’s 650 MPs. More than 300 MPs did not vote.
Single regulator would command public confidence, says fracking task force, but residents want a ban
The industry-funded shale gas task force has called for a single regulator for the onshore oil and gas industry to win over public confidence. But residents consulted by the task force said they just want a ban.
Beware the no-frack promise at Billingshurst, campaigners warn
Campaigners are stepping up their opposition to an exploratory oil site near Billingshurst in West Sussex with a warning: beware the no-frack promise.
Public consultation begins on Cuadrilla’s revised Lancashire fracking plans
Lancashire County Council announced this afternoon it has launched the public consultation on the extra information submitted by Cuadrilla for its two planning applications for shale gas development in the Fylde.
Horse Hill “world-class” oil find confirms campaigners’ fracking suspicions
The Horse Hill well near Horley in Surrey found oil in three unconventional rock formations, according to the results of analysis released yesterday. Anti-fracking campaigners say it confirms their suspicions about the site near Gatwick Airport.
Third Energy’s Ebberston Moor decision deferred
Members of the campaign group, Frack Free Ryedale, welcomed the deferral of a decision on plans by Third Energy for a re-injection well at Ebberston Moor South.
First Welsh shale planning application approved in forest beauty spot
Neath Port Talbot council has approved Wales’s first application to explore for shale gas. The council’s planning committee, meeting this afternoon, granted permission to UK Methane for an exploratory borehole for shale gas and coal bed methane in the Foel Fynyddau Forest, near Pontrhydyfen.
Decision delayed on Rathlin’s West Newton-B drilling application
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has postponed its decision on Rathlin Energy’s planning application for a new drilling site at West Newton until after the May elections.
DRILL OR DROP? 