Fracking Moratorium Anniversary
Published: 24 Feb 2016
Environmental campaigners have marked the first anniversary of Wales’ moratorium on fracking and unconventional gas [1]. Celebrations were held at the Friends of the Earth Cymru office, with party-goers in buoyant mood. It follows the news that yet another local council - Swansea - has voted to become a frack-free area [2].
The moratorium means that fracking cannot be carried out in Wales without the express permission of the Minister for Natural Resources. The Welsh Government has made clear its opposition to fracking [3].
Speaking at the party, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gareth Clubb, said:
“We’re delighted that Wales has been spared the damaging and unsettling speculation that is being forced on communities in England. It’s proven to be massively unpopular there, as it is here in Wales.
“We support this moratorium to the hilt and we look forward to the Welsh Government reassuring us that it applies equally to all forms of unconventional gas, including coal bed methane.
“We don’t need fracking to answer our energy conundrum. Fracked gas will only add to our massive problems of climate change. Governments need to be focussed on the genuine alternatives - huge investment in energy efficiency and decent support for renewable energy”.
ENDS
NOTES
1. http://gov.wales/topics/planning/policy/dear-cpo-letters/unconventional-oil-and-gas/?lang=en
2. http://www.thewave.co.uk/news/local/swansea-frack-free-zone/