What to watch in 2019
DrillOrDrop’s round-up of the likely action on fracking and onshore oil and gas developments in 2019
High Court blocks challenge to government statement on fracking definition
The Mayor of Malton, in North Yorkshire, has failed in his attempt to bring a legal challenge against the government over the definition of fracking. But he said he had won important concessions in his campaign to restrict the shale gas industry.
Government urged to suspend Lancashire fracking over earthquakes
Councillors and campaigners in Lancashire are calling on the government to halt fracking at Cuadrilla’s shale gas near Blackpool following a series of earth tremors of increasing strength.
Decision on Cuadrilla’s Roseacre Wood fracking site due in New Year
The decision on whether Cuadrilla can drill and frack up to four shale gas wells at Roseacre Wood, near Blackpool, is expected early in January 2019, according to the Planning Inspectorate.
Campaign group begins legal challenge to government planning policy on fracking
The anti-shale gas group, Talk Fracking, has taken the first step in what could be a court challenge to government policy.
Parliamentary motion calls for fracking buffer zones in former mining areas
MPs from former mining areas are among supporters of a parliamentary motion calling for 500m gaps between fracking and ex collieries.
Government announces plans to speed up fracking decisions in England + detailed reaction
Ministers are considering taking fracking decisions in England out of local control and allowing shale gas exploration wells to be drilled without the need for planning applications.
James Brokenshire to decide Cuadrilla’s Roseacre Wood fracking appeal
The outcome of the Roseacre Wood fracking inquiry, which ended last week, will be decided by James Brokenshire.
