March 2020 diary
Events in March 2020 and beyond about UK fracking, onshore oil and gas and campaigning
Regulator objects to second oil plan over failure to assess risk to water
The Environment Agency has objected to plans to drill for oil in Dorset because there was no assessment of the risk to water.
Scottish government proposes to re-open public inquiry into Ineos coal gas plans
Scottish government officials are suggesting that an inquiry into drilling for coal bed methane that closed six years ago should re-open.
600+ sign letter calling on new ministers to extend fracking moratorium
More than 600 academics, politicians and campaigners signed a letter calling on the government to replace the current moratorium on fracking with an outright ban.
Experts identify flaws in Aurora’s fracking application on earthquake risk
The assessment of earthquake risk from fracking at a proposed shale gas site in Lancashire is superficial, outdated and not justified, experts have concluded.
Legal challenge to Third Energy sale gets go-ahead as emails reveal ministers intervened in deal
A government department “worked with” Barclays on the “orderly disposal” of the troubled fracking company, Third Energy, ministerial correspondence has revealed.
Revised well test plan submitted for West Newton A – Union Jack Oil
Union Jack Oil has announced plans to restart an extended well test at the West Newton-A oil and gas site in East Yorkshire.
Regulator drops objection to Angus Energy test plans at Balcombe
The Environment Agency has withdrawn its objection to plans for an extended well test at Angus Energy’s oil site at Balcombe in West Sussex.
Methane emissions from oil and gas industry “vastly underestimated” – new study
Emissions of methane from fossil fuels have been underestimated by up to 40%, according to a new study.
Fracking moratorium minister fired in reshuffle
The cabinet minister who announced the moratorium on fracking last year has been sacked in today’s reshuffle.
