shale

The latest figures from the Department for Energy and Climate Change 'Public Attitudes Tracker' published today show public endorsement for fracking dropped 5 points from 29% back in March.

The findings are widely at odds with the results of a survey published by UK Onshore Oil and Gas - the lobby body for the fracking industry - on Monday, which put public support for shale drilling at a wildly optimistic 57%.  

Commenting on the survey published today, Greenpeace UK chief scientist Dr Doug Parr said:

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.