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The vote over what could be Britain's first
shale-producing wells has been closely watched by the industry
and environmental campaigners as it highlights the role local
governments can play in deciding whether shale gas has a future
in Britain.
The government is determined to create a shale gas boom to
ensure these unconventional resources will help stem a decline
in North Sea energy reserves and slow Britain's gas import
dependence.
Officials at Lancashire County Council in northwest England said
last week Cuadrilla's applications should be rejected when the
council voted, because the work would be too noisy and create
too much traffic.
In response Cuadrilla, chaired by ex-BP boss John Browne,
submitted additional documents which councillors have now opened
for public consultation for at least 8 weeks, hence deferring
their decision.
"The additional information we have provided on further
mitigation measures will, we believe, fully address the noise
and traffic concerns raised," Cuadrilla said in a statement. "We
remain committed to the exploration of shale gas in Lancashire."
Shale gas fracking, in which chemicals and water are blasted at
underground rock formations to release trapped gas, has come
under fire from environmentalists who are concerned about
groundwater contamination and earth tremors.
"The councillors should look again at the mounting evidence of
fracking's environmental, health and climate impacts, and put
the wellbeing of their communities before the interests of the
shale lobby," said Simon Clydesdale, UK energy and climate
campaigner at Greenpeace.
Opposition to fracking has been mounting in Britain and earlier
this week, the British government fended off proposals from
lawmakers to ban shale gas fracking outright, agreeing instead
to curb fracking in national parks.
In the U.S, a boom in shale gas production has put the country
on the path to energy independence and lowered energy costs for
industry and businesses.
(editing by Kate Holton)
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