Shale Debate Ignites in the UK

The shale gas debate takes central stage in the United Kingdom on Wednesday, with the Parliament voting the controversial proposal to allow hydraulic fracturing (fracking) under national parks. 

The new regulations would allow fracking 1,200 metres below national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, and world heritage sites.

The vote comes a few hours after the publication of final conclusions and recommendations of the Task Force on Shale Gas, which said that shale gas can be produced safely.  

‘Exploration drilling to ascertain how much gas may be recoverable in the UK should begin’ reads the document. 

While criticising the vote and the measure, environmentalists and other civic organisations are discussing how to campaign against fracking.

‘This will be a significant moment in our campaign, as we will fight out what two of our district councils views are on fracking. We have incredible campaigners on the ground fighting to ensure councillors are listening to the people’ Frack Free Nottingham wrote about two Councils taking place on Wednesday.