Fracking banned in UK as government makes major U-turn
Victory for green groups follows damning scientific study and criticism from spending watchdog
The government has
banned fracking with immediate effect in a watershed moment for
environmentalists and community activists. Ministers also warned
shale gas companies it would not support future fracking projects, in a
crushing blow to companies that had been hoping to capitalise on one of
the new
frontiers of growth in the fossil fuel industry.
The decision draws a
line under years of bitter opposition to the controversial extraction process
in a major victory for green groups and local communities. The decision was taken
after a new scientific study warned it was not possible to rule out
“unacceptable” consequences for those living near fracking sites. The report, undertaken
by the Oil and Gas Authority
(OGA), also warned it was not possible to predict the magnitude of earthquakes
fracking might trigger.
Fracking, also
known as hydraulic fracturing, involves pumping water, chemicals and sand
underground at high pressure to fracture shale rock and release trapped oil and
gas. The government said it
would not agree to any future fracking “until compelling new evidence is
provided” that proves fracking could be safe. The UK’s only active fracking
site at Preston New Road in Lancashire was brought to an immediate halt this
summer after fracking
triggered multiple earth tremors that breached the government’s
earthquake limits.... read more:
