No permission needed for seismic monitoring boreholes under government plans
The government wants to allow oil and gas companies to drill seismic monitoring boreholes without applying for planning permission.
Reaction to government plans to “fast-track” fracking
This morning the government announced it would to take decisions on fracking plans out of local authority hands. It will also consider ruling where companies appeal against a refusal of planning permission. A statement said: “Today’s measures will mean Ministers will consider calling in any application for shale exploration, and […]
Ministers to override local councils on fracking applications
As widely predicted, the government has announced measures to take decisions on fracking plans out of local authority hands. It will also consider ruling where companies appeal against a refusal of planning permission. A statement this morning by the Energy Secretary, Amber Rudd, and the Communities’ Secretary, Greg […]
Fracking Week in Westminster – w/e 24th July 2015
In the final week at Westminster before the parliamentary recess: Lords asked questions over changes to the planning system for fracking and community vetoes for shale gas And an MP criticised the Government for a u-turn on policy to allow fracking from Sites of Special Scientific Interest With […]
14th round: first oil and gas licenses to be announced in August
The Government has announced a timetable for releasing the results of the 14th round of onshore oil and gas licences. A statement on a government webpage (see section headed First tranche of awards) says the awards will be announced in two sections, starting next month. The release of […]
Shale developers need to make the case for fracking – Amber Rudd
The Energy Secretary, Amber Rudd, told MPs yesterday that shale gas developers needed to make the case for fracking to local communities. During a session of the Energy and Climate Change Committee, Mrs Rudd was asked how she would “bridge the gap” between the government’s views on shale […]
Green MP criticises tactics of government u-turn on fracking in wildlife sites
Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, has accused the government of using legislative small print to hide its policy reversal on fracking in important wildlife sites. Ms Lucas said MPs had approved the Infrastructure Bill earlier this year following a promise by Amber Rudd for the […]
Fracking Week in Westminster – w/e 17th July 2015
The new MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk used his maiden speech to oppose fracking. Also this week: more fracking parliamentary questions from Preston’s Mark Hendrick. With thanks to TheyWorkForYou.com for the transcripts.
Government allows fracking under – but not in – National Parks
As MP prepare to leave parliament for the summer, the government has announced it is to ban fracking from the surface of National Parks and some other protected areas. But under new rules operators will be allowed to frack underneath these areas from outside their boundaries. Several environmental […]
No North-South divide on fracking – Lords urge
Two peers have urged the government to ensure the south is not treated differently from the north over exploration for shale oil and gas.
DRILL OR DROP? 