Plaid President Jill Evans MEP, has today urged the European Parliament to call for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing for shale gas in a report currently being drafted by the institution's Environment Committee.
In a debate on the report this morning, most MEPs present raised concerns about the risks associated with shale gas and the need for more study and analysis into the technology.
The debate comes a week after a UK government report confirmed that the earthquakes experienced near Blackpool last year were caused by hydraulic fracturing for shale gas. Ms Evans is calling on individuals to comment on the report, stating that the outcome could have huge implications for the people of Wales.
Jill Evans MEP said,
"This report by the UK government recommends that fracking is allowed to continue with the introduction of new procedures. These new measures will not eliminate the earthquakes and this is a real concern for the environment and those that live close to these sites.
"Next month there is a public inquiry into the planning application for test drilling in the Vale of Glamorgan, so the possibility of fracking taking place in Wales is very real. It is important that people make their views known."
Jill Evans continued,
"Shale gas is not the answer to Europe's vision of a low-carbon economy. Rather, it will create more problems for the environment and for public health. In addition to this, shale gas extraction produces even more carbon emissions than other conventional fossil fuel. Developing the use of shale gas will once again distract us from the true energy alternative. In Wales we have natural resources in abundance and we should be harnessing them to ensure we have a supply of green, renewable energy. In the 21st century we should be working towards a sustainable, environmentally-friendly form of energy production and leave the fossil fuels in the past where they belong."
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Notes
1. The UK government's report is available here.
2. Comments on the report should be emailed to led.comment@decc.gsi.gov.uk.
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