Yorkshire Post: Exclusive: Not to explore fracking would be irresponsible says Minister

ENERGY Minister Michael Fallon has told opponents of fracking it would be “irresponsible” not to explore whether shale gas can become a major source of energy for the UK.

Mr Fallon conceded there were people with “legitimate concerns” about the it, but criticised campaigners who oppose any use of fossil fuels.

He spoke to the Yorkshire Post as part of its Big Debate on fracking taking place in the newspaper, online, on social media and at a public meeting next month.

Mr Fallon said: “In the United States shale has had a huge impact on household bills but also on industry’s costs and has made the United States extremely competitive for the rest of the world.

“We won’t know until we’ve had two or three years of exploration, we won’t know whether the impact here will be as great as it’s been in the States. But what would be irresponsible is not to encourage companies to go down there and have a look.“  MORE