fracking

As ministers announced today the launch of the 14^th onshore licensing round, Greenpeace’s Energydesk published a series of tables and maps highlighting the potential environmental and political impacts of this development (click here for the political analysis, and here for the analysis of national parks and water).

"The Government has fired the starting gun on a reckless race for shale that could see fracking rigs go up across the British countryside, including in sensitive areas such as those covering major aquifers. Eric Pickles' supposed veto power over drilling in national parks will do nothing to quell the disquiet of fracking opponents across Britain. Ministers waited until the parliamentary recess to make their move, no doubt aware of the political headache this will cause to MPs whose constituencies will be affected.

This afternoon Greenpeace activists have occupied the entrance to the South Downs National Park Authority building in Midhurst ahead of their AGM. Campaigners have set up a Not For Shale mock real estate roadshow in front of the HQ’s main entrance, featuring 4-metre-tall flags and a large map of the South Downs Park and surrounding area showing the level of opposition to fracking.

Executive Director of Greenpeace UK, John Sauven welcomed the news –

“We salute Michael and Emily’s determination to combine good times with good deeds, to protect a site which means so much to so many people, and keep it Frack-free and Not For Shale.”

Both Emily and Michael signed a declaration which read –

I (Emily/Michael Eavis), resident at Worthy Farm, Pilton, give my word that I will not allow Fracking to take place on this site.