Go slowly on fracking or risk big problems, says Australian researcher
20th May 2014 The British shale industry was warned yesterday to learn from Australia and to not rush into fracking without a proper public debate.
Opposition to fracking increases the closer it gets
19th May 2014 A new opinion poll has found that people are much more likely to oppose fracking in their own back yards – and especially under it.
Britain blocks EU legally-binding regulations on fracking – Guardian
The Guardian reported that Britain has defeated European Union attempts to set legally binding environmental regulations for the shale gas industry. According to the paper, David Cameron has led intense lobbying against the proposals, arguing that existing rules are strict enough to keep fracking safe and that new rules would delay investment and increase […]
What do the Lib Dems really think about fracking?
On September 15th, the Lib Dem conference passed several motions on fracking. They were part of the party’s policy on transition to a zero carbon Britain. The motions on fracking (F10 4m and 4n) committed the party to: 4 (m) Limiting shale gas exploration until it has been shown […]
Fracking risks more likely from operational failure than emissions – Public Health England
The government’s health advisor says emissions from fracking are likely to be a low risk to public health – providing operations are properly run and regulated. Public Health England says shale gas extraction has the potential to cause pollution to air, land and water. But current evidence indicates […]
Hazardous chemical banned at Cuadrilla’s Balcombe site
The Guardian reports that the Environment Agency banned Cuadrilla from using a hazardous chemical in its well at Balcombe but gave permission for another substance, despite residents’ concerns. Chris Wick, of the Environment Agency, told a meeting of around 270 Balcombe residents the banned chemical was antimony trioxide, […]
Sussex waters safe from frackers – Environment Agency
The chair of the Environment Agency, Chris Smith, has assured a Sussex MP that local water will be protected from any pollution caused by fracking at Balcombe or beyond. Lord Smith was responding to concerns raised by Lewes MP, Norman Baker, about the potential expansion of fracking across […]
Southern Water will cut water price for frackers
Bloomberg reports that Britain’s water companies plan to discount the cost of water to fracking companies. Southern Water says its rate for the biggest customers is 25% less than for homes and this would apply to shale drillers, though none have applied. United Utilities will also offer lower […]
Fracking danger from Sussex geological faults – Lewes debate
A geophysicist has questioned government assurances fracking is unlikely to contaminate groundwater supplies. David Smythe, Emeritus Professor of Geophysics at the University of Glasgow, told a public debate on fracking in Lewes the assurances were informed by evidence from the US that was not relevant to Britain. Professor […]
Fracking timeline – October 2013
15/10/13 Any decision about fracking in Northern Ireland should be a matter for the Executive as a whole, says the Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster. Her comments follows a debate in the Northern Ireland Assembly where the Minister of the Environment assured assembly members that in the absence of evidence […]
DRILL OR DROP? 