Fracking ruling expected on Cuadrilla Lancashire applications
Business
Fracking ruling expected on Cuadrilla Lancashire applications
A government decision is expected later on two controversial applications to test frack for shale gas in Lancashire. Permission to drill at two sites on the Fylde coast have been the subject of an appeal by the the energy firm Cuadrilla, after the plans submitted in mid-2014 were rejected by the county council last year. Following a six week public inquiry earlier this year, a planning inspector submitted their report to Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, who will take the final decision.
We need to question why Theresa May is trying to lock us in to a dirty fossil fuel infrastructure for the next 30 years rather than backing the clean technologies of the future.
Shadow environment spokesman Barry Gardiner, speaking in August
The decision will be closely watched by other companies looking to carry out fracking in the UK. Environmentalists and residents are opposed to the applications amid pollution and health concerns. Campaigners also argue fracking for fossil fuels is not compatible with tackling climate change and the focus should be on renewables. But the government has previously said it is going "all out for shale" arguing it can boost the UK's energy security and economy.
