Month: July 2016

Backing for fracking up slightly but strong support at record low -Government survey

Support for fracking has risen slightly, according to the latest survey in ongoing government research. But the proportion who “strongly support” fracking has dropped to its lowest level.

Opposition to fracking has remained steady at 31%, still the highest level since the survey began.

As in previous surveys, the largest proportion of participants said they neither supported nor opposed shale gas. This remained unchanged at 46%.

The quarterly survey of public attitudes on energy and climate change, known as the Wave Tracker, first asked questions about shale gas and fracking in December 2013. The latest survey, Wave 18, interviewed more than 2,000 households in late June and early July 2016. The findings were published last week (28 July 2016)

Awareness

 

Backing for fracking up slightly but strong support at record low -Government survey

Photos: 3,000+ attend York anti-fracking rally

Anti-fracking campaigners gathered in York today for a Don’t Frack Yorkshire march and rally. Organisers estimated more than 3,000 people from across the UK took part. York 160730 12 Adela Pickles

Graham Martin, who helped organise the event, said:
“We were absolutely overwhelmed by the turnout today, which exceeded all our expectations. This shows that more and more people across Yorkshire are waking up to the threat of fracking to the countryside, rural jobs, tourism, the environment and climate change.”
Russell Scott, of Frack Free North Yorkshire, said:York 160730 2 FFY
“People are now realising that with the whole of Yorkshire covered in fracking licences, fracking is now on everyone’s doorstep.”
York 160730 6 FF BarnsleyYork 160730 9 Sally Brooks

The NWETF gets a reboot

Lancashire for Shale, a new pro-shale group funded by local businesses and industry, held its launch reception yesterday evening (25th July 2016) for Lancashire firms at the White Tower restaurant in Blackpool to call on local and national decision-makers to get behind onshore natural gas development in the county.

lfs

What’s that you say? A “new” group? Another one? Whatever happened to the now discredited North West Energy Task Force?

 

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Chair writes to David Davis and Therese Coffey

Environmental Audit Committee calls for Government to maintain existing level of environmental protection

The Environmental Audit Committee has written to the new Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis MP, and DEFRA Minister Therese Coffey MP, seeking reassurance about Government plans for the large proportion of UK environmental law that originates from the EU.

The Committee is calling on the Government to maintain the existing level of environmental protection currently guaranteed by EU law. The letter also invites them both to give evidence before the Committee in the autumn.

The letter comes after the Committee launched an inquiry into the Future of the Natural Environment after the EU Referendum.

Caroline Lucas asks THE question

Photo of Caroline LucasCaroline Lucas Green, Brighton, Pavilion

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to publish the full recommendations and report of the Planning Inspector before taking a decision on Lancashire County Council‘s rejection of the Cuadrilla fracking applications at Roseacre Wood and Preston New Road.

Chichester talks Fracking

Two sides in the fracking debate went head to head at an event in Chichester to discuss the pros and cons of shale gas.

On the pro side was Professor Ernest Rutter, of Manchester University, and Dr Nick Riley, formerly of the British Geological Survey. Opposing fracking were Emeritus Professor at Glasgow University, David Smythe, and writer and campaigner, Julie Wassmer.

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Concerns mount over Andrea Leadsom’s suitability for environment role

Concerns mount over Andrea Leadsom’s suitability for environment role

Andrea Leadsom, the new environment secretary. ‘She has no instincts for [the environment] and no knowledge of it.’

Andrea Leadsom’s appointment as environment secretary has raised significant concerns among senior environmental and agricultural figures over her suitability for the role.

Leadsom’s lack of top-level political experience, absence of track record in farming or environmental areas and ideological approach to policy are all cited as fears. However, her junior ministers are viewed more favourably in terms of tackling the enormous challenges faced by her department.

https://goo.gl/SsCyLw

UN criticises UK and Germany for betraying Paris climate deal

Ban Ki-moon’s climate change envoy has accused the UK and Germany of backtracking on the spirit of the Paris climate deal by financing the fossil fuel industry through subsidies.

Mary Robinson, the former president of Ireland and UN special envoy on climate change and El Niño, said she had to speak out after Germany promised compensation for coal power and the UK provided tax breaks for oil and gas

https://goo.gl/f2YoHnMary Robinson