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.
Frack-Free councils – updated list
In October 2014, we posted a list of local authorities that have debated motions on fracking and onshore oil and gas drilling. Lots of readers found it useful and some asked for it to be updated. Here’s the latest version. Please let us know if there are councils […]
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 […]
Government urged to consider cumulative impacts of fracking
The latest amendments to the Infrastructure Bill seek to require the government to take account of the cumulative effects of fracking on a local area. They also propose to prevent drilling without the landowners’ consent at depths above 1,000m.
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 […]
Fracking Week in Westminster – w/e 19/12/14
Transcripts of parliamentary questions, answers and debates on fracking and onshore oil and gas for the week ending 19th December 21014 This week saw new amendments to the Infrastructure Bill Our Report. The Prime Minister also faced tough questioning about fracking regulations from members of the Liaison Committee, […]
Sussex MPs seek to cut fracking from Infrastructure Bill
Two Sussex MPs have tabled amendments to remove all the clauses on fracking and oil and gas drilling from the Infrastructure Bill.
Infrastructure Bill: more dates, times, amendments
The clauses in the Infrastructure Bill dealing with fracking and rights to drill under private land are likely to be considered towards the end of the Committee Stage of the legislation.
Prime Minister challenged by Tory MP over fracking regulations
A Conservative backbencher has challenged the Prime Minster to change the regulations that allow fracking companies to self-monitor their operations.
DRILL OR DROP? 