Friends of the Earth Scotland

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• Referral from January 24, 2015
  

  Audrey �. asked:

  JUST IN ..... Scottish government press release COMMENTING ON ENERGY MINISTER'S STATEMENT RE: FRACKING LICENCES > > Commenting on Fergus Ewing’s statement this evening calling for the UK Government not to issue any more onshore oil and gas licences in Scotland until full powers in this area are devolved to Holyrood, Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said: > > “It is very welcome that Energy Minister Fergus Ewing is calling on the UK Government not to issue any more licences for unconventional gas exploration in Scotland ahead of the transfer of full powers to Holyrood. > > “This would clearly put a major spoke in the wheels of any company looking for a licence in Scotland in the current licensing round. This move does nothing to stop INEOS, IGas and Reach from applying to frack under their existing licences. Communities living in these areas remain under threat from this risky industry. > > “The Scottish Government should use the powers it already has to stop this unnecessary and unwelcome industry gaining a foothold in Scotland.” > > ENDS

  

  Diane B. replied:

  and this on Friends of the Earth Scotland FB this morning..... MORE BREAKING NEWS! The SNP today announced that their MPs will vote IN FAVOUR OF A MORATORIUM on unconventional gas and fracking as part of the Infrastructure Bill on Monday at Westminster . If this amendment gets through it will protect communities right across the UK from the dangerous, unnecessary fracking industry. The political concern and moves to limit the development of unconventional gas are due to the huge public opposition to the industry’s plans. Passionate campaigners, concerned communities and informed individuals have fought back against the hype around fracking and the UK Government’s reckless dash for gas. Well done to everyone who contacted their MPs to call for a ban on fracking over the last months and even longer. The SNP voting for this amendment is welcome but it is not actually a declaration of full support for a moratorium or ban in Scotland. It is clear that the Scottish Government could call a halt on unconventional gas using their existing planning and environmental permitting powers. It is only a small step from supporting a moratorium at Westminster to implementing one in Scotland while they assess the full impact of fracking. This technology poses serious risks to our health, our climate and the local environment. The Scottish Government needs to ban this industry altogether and focus on making the most of our abundant renewable energy resources. We urge Ministers to act now to stop this industry getting a foothold in Scotland if the vote goes the wrong way on Monday. SNP Energy spokesperson Mike Weir made the announcement on BBC Good Morning Scotland this morning. Our full reaction to SNP statement: http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/SNP-fracking-vote

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