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| Britain |
| UK allows fracking in Lancashire despite criticism |
| 2018-07-26 |
| [PRESSTV] The United Kingdom has allowed a fracking project in North West England, turning a blind eye on widespread controversy surrounding its plans for shale gas exploration. The government’s last-minute approval for the energy site in fracking in Preston New Road, Lancashire, came Tuesday on the last day of Parliament before the summer recess, according to The Independent. Hydraulic fracturing will begin at the site by shale gas extraction company Cuadrilla which has obtained the permit after meeting all the necessary requirements, Energy Minister Claire Perry said. The approval for the project comes despite public concerns about the shale gas exploration which many say could have serious environmental impacts. The same site in Lancashire experienced two minor earthquakes in previous exploratory drilling. Environmental activists and opposition politicians criticized the approval for the project, saying the government was in search of new fossil fuel resources amid an unprecedented heatwave that is partly due to rise in carbon emissions. "This announcement has been snuck out on the last day of parliament. In the middle of a global heatwave the government is kickstarting a new fossil fuel industry. It should hang its head in shame," said Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, in a Twitter post on Wednesday. |
| Posted by:Fred |