Reporting of the politics at national and local level of the shale gas and fracking debate
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.
Government ministers were challenged on the impacts of fracking during questions in both the House of Commons and the Lords. The pro-fracking peer, Lord Lawson, accused Lancashire County Council of trying to block shale gas development by “turning down every single application for exploratory drilling?” The chair […]
A council fact-finding inquiry on fracking has become mired in recriminations. Local community groups have accused Cheshire West and Chester Council of a “flawed and biased process” in the way it ran the inquiry. They walked out of the most recent meeting, accusing the council of being heavily […]
The out-going chair of the Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee urged the next government to challenge opposition to fracking.
Rathlin Energy’s drilling operations in East Yorkshire have been heavily criticised by local people contributing to an official consultation. They accused the company of causing noise, damaging vibrations, light pollution, smells and extra traffic.
The Energy Minister, Matthew Hancock, has insisted UK shale gas is already strongly regulated, in response to a call for independent scrutiny of the industry.
Anti-fracking campaigners say the Ryedale area of North Yorkshire could see up to 950 fracking wells.
Updated list of key events on fracking and onshore oil and gas in March Deadline for comments on drilling plans Decision on drilling applications Consultation deadlines Ineos news conference Energy conferences and shale forum Training and talks Film screening Frack Free Festival
The chief executive of Cuadrilla, Francis Egan, rejected claims from a senior MP that the fracking industry was self-regulated. And he warned that nothing would get done if regulators were looking over the industry’s shoulder.
Weekly update on parliamentary statements and questions on fracking and onshore oil and gas developments. This week: Government announces opening of bidding for extra money for local authorities dealing with shale oil and gas planning applications – statement Consultation opens on changes to planning laws for groundwater monitoring […]
DRILL OR DROP? 