UK Government to Change Trespass Law to Allow Fracking

The UK government gave the green light to a change in legislation for deep underground drilling, allowing companies to carry out hydraulic fracturing without the permission of the landowners. 

The Department of Energy & Climate Change said it is working to remove barriers to deep underhand drilling access, explaining on Thursday that the move is coherent with its plan to cut greenhouse emissions. 

‘That’s why, alongside a further £40 billion of renewable investment running into 2020 we are exploring for shale gas. As the cleanest fossil fuel gas provides a bridge to much greener future, and Geothermal energy can supply renewable heat to our homes and businesses. This diverse, and continually evolving energy mix is a central part of our plan to reach our carbon targets and guarantee our energy security in the years ahead,’ the Government wrote on its website. 

The change in regulation is meant to foster oil and gas production, along with deep geothermal energy exploration. 

‘We are introducing legislation so oil and gas and geothermal companies will be able to use underground land but only below 300m (1,000ft). These companies will still need to obtain all the necessary regulatory permissions, like planning and environmental permits.’