News Items from around the World
Fracking has attracted significant public opposition Reuters
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Fracking can cause earthquakes that last for months, study finds
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Fracking can cause earthquakes that rumble on for months after the controversial gas extraction process ends, a new study has found.
Researchers recorded more than 900 individual tremors linked to hydraulic fracturing, as it is properly known, between December 2014 and March 2015 in an area around Fox Creek in Alberta, Canada, according to a paper in the journal Science.
Most were too small for anyone to notice, but the largest registered a magnitude of 3.9 and took place in January two weeks after fracking had stopped. Such a quake would usually be felt but is only likely to cause minor damage.
It is thought the process of pumping in liquid to crack rocks and release gas also resulted in a sustained increase in pressure on a nearby geological fault.
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In the timeless Yorkshire moors of my childhood, the frackers are poised to start drilling |
Kirby Misperton, like many other villages in North Yorkshire, has enjoyed its obscurity for centuries. At this time of year, it has all the characteristic features of rural Ryedale: the medieval church that stands among the last of the cherry tree blossom, the poignant war memorial cross that stands at the tiny roundabout, the cottages with their neat front gardens blazing with scarlet and yellow tulips. This is the kind of community I grew up in, only a few miles away.
But this village of a few hundred residents unexpectedly finds itself in the national spotlight – the subject of a decision that could be a critical juncture in how a new and deeply controversial energy technology is shoehorned into the intricate and richly layered English countryside.
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But this village of a few hundred residents unexpectedly finds itself in the national spotlight – the subject of a decision that could be a critical juncture in how a new and deeply controversial energy technology is shoehorned into the intricate and richly layered English countryside.
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UK government hands out new fracking licences |
The government’s controversial attempt to establish a shale gas industry in the UK took another step forward on Thursday when it handed out new licences for onshore gas and oil exploration in 159 blocks, in a move campaigners say could open up swaths of the countryside to fracking.
Companies must undergo a series of safety and environmental checks before they can start producing oil and gas commercially, though campaigners have maintained these are insufficiently tough.
Several well-known companies won the right to explore the possibility of operating in a series of blocks around England. There were no licences awarded in Scotland, where there is a moratorium against fracking, or in Wales, before the introduction of the Wales bill.
Cuadrilla, GDF Suez, Hutton Energy, UK Oil and Gas, and Aurora EnergyResources won licences; the biggest winner was Ineos, the Anglo-Swiss chemicals group, with 21 licences.
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Companies must undergo a series of safety and environmental checks before they can start producing oil and gas commercially, though campaigners have maintained these are insufficiently tough.
Several well-known companies won the right to explore the possibility of operating in a series of blocks around England. There were no licences awarded in Scotland, where there is a moratorium against fracking, or in Wales, before the introduction of the Wales bill.
Cuadrilla, GDF Suez, Hutton Energy, UK Oil and Gas, and Aurora EnergyResources won licences; the biggest winner was Ineos, the Anglo-Swiss chemicals group, with 21 licences.
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A placard depicting David Cameron at anti-fracking protest in Balcombe last year Getty Images
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Fracking: Government accused of 'outrageous vandalism' over new rules |
The new rules allowing fracking below national parks were passed thanks to a “shabby” evasion of parliamentary debate, Labour and the Liberal Democrats have said.
MPs backed the new measures by a slim majority of 37 after a ballot vote, with no full House of Commons debate.
Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader whose constituency covers parts of both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks, said the Government’s behaviour had been “outrageous”. He said the impact of the new regulations was “tantamount to vandalism”.
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MPs backed the new measures by a slim majority of 37 after a ballot vote, with no full House of Commons debate.
Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader whose constituency covers parts of both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks, said the Government’s behaviour had been “outrageous”. He said the impact of the new regulations was “tantamount to vandalism”.
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Water firms raise fears over shale gas fracking |
Article originally published 19 Jul 2013
In a blow for shale gas explorers and government alike, Water UK, which represents all major water suppliers, has published a series of concerns about fracking and warned that failure to address them could “stop the industry in its tracks”.
Ministers hope the controversial process, which involves pumping water, sand and chemicals into the ground to extract gas trapped in rocks, could unlock a major new source of gas for Britain and bring down household energy bills.
Chancellor George Osborne on Friday unveils details of tax breaks for the shale gas industry, pledging the most generous tax regime in the world so that Britain becomes “a leader of the shale gas revolution”.
But Water UK, which is demanding an urgent meeting with shale companies to discuss its fears, warns: “Shale gas fracking could lead to contamination of the water supply with methane gas and harmful chemicals if not carefully planned and carried out.”
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In a blow for shale gas explorers and government alike, Water UK, which represents all major water suppliers, has published a series of concerns about fracking and warned that failure to address them could “stop the industry in its tracks”.
Ministers hope the controversial process, which involves pumping water, sand and chemicals into the ground to extract gas trapped in rocks, could unlock a major new source of gas for Britain and bring down household energy bills.
Chancellor George Osborne on Friday unveils details of tax breaks for the shale gas industry, pledging the most generous tax regime in the world so that Britain becomes “a leader of the shale gas revolution”.
But Water UK, which is demanding an urgent meeting with shale companies to discuss its fears, warns: “Shale gas fracking could lead to contamination of the water supply with methane gas and harmful chemicals if not carefully planned and carried out.”
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The Government has granted exploration and drilling licenses to fracking companies
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MAPPED: Could YOUR home see its value COLLAPSE due to fracking?
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Leading property experts have voiced fears the controversial drilling technique could bring the housing market close to COLLAPSE in large parts of the country.
The Government looks set to grant licenses for energy companies to explore up to 65 per cent of rural Britain in the search for underground natural gas.
That could see millions of people living in and around drilling sites lose up to 30 per cent off the value of their homes, including some of the country's best known celebrities.
Fracking is a hugely controversial technique for extracting natural gas from under the ground. Critics have warned that the drilling destabilises the Earth and causes tremors and subsidence, which could damage people's homes for miles around.
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The Government looks set to grant licenses for energy companies to explore up to 65 per cent of rural Britain in the search for underground natural gas.
That could see millions of people living in and around drilling sites lose up to 30 per cent off the value of their homes, including some of the country's best known celebrities.
Fracking is a hugely controversial technique for extracting natural gas from under the ground. Critics have warned that the drilling destabilises the Earth and causes tremors and subsidence, which could damage people's homes for miles around.
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A major scientific study says the process uses toxic and carcinogenic chemicals and that an EU-wide ban should be issued until safeguards are in place
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Fracking poses 'significant' risk to humans and should be temporarily banned across EU, says new report |
A major new scientific study has concluded that the controversial gas extraction technique known as fracking poses a “significant” risk to human health and British wildlife, and that an EU-wide moratorium should be implemented until widespread regulatory reform is undertaken.
The damning report by the CHEM Trust, the British charity that investigates the harm chemicals cause humans and wildlife, highlights serious shortcomings in the UK’s regulatory regime, which the report says will only get worse as the Government makes further budget cuts.
It also warns of severe risks to human health if the new Conservative government tries to fast-track fracking of shale gas across the UK. The “scale of commercial fracking” unleashed by the Government’s eagerness to exploit the technique “should not be underestimated”, it cautions.
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The damning report by the CHEM Trust, the British charity that investigates the harm chemicals cause humans and wildlife, highlights serious shortcomings in the UK’s regulatory regime, which the report says will only get worse as the Government makes further budget cuts.
It also warns of severe risks to human health if the new Conservative government tries to fast-track fracking of shale gas across the UK. The “scale of commercial fracking” unleashed by the Government’s eagerness to exploit the technique “should not be underestimated”, it cautions.
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Fracking is likely to reduce local house prices, increase noise and damage the landscape in rural communities, according to a report officials tried to censor (file picture of anti-fracking groups)
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Censored fracking report hid the true cost to landscape and homes: Controversial process likely to reduce local house prices, internal document reveals
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Fracking is likely to reduce local house prices, increase noise and damage the landscape in rural communities, according to a report officials tried to censor.
An internal document evaluating drilling for gas onshore has now been published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) following a battle with campaigners.
A version of it released last summer was censored 63 times in just 13 pages, prompting accusations the Government was seeking to cover-up the impacts of fracking – a controversial process in which shale rock is cracked open at high pressure to release gas and oil.
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Related stories:
An internal document evaluating drilling for gas onshore has now been published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) following a battle with campaigners.
A version of it released last summer was censored 63 times in just 13 pages, prompting accusations the Government was seeking to cover-up the impacts of fracking – a controversial process in which shale rock is cracked open at high pressure to release gas and oil.
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The decision by local councillors to reject the plans defies clear advice from their legal and planning advisors to wave them through
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Lancashire councillors' decision to reject fracking 'a serious setback for shale gas in UK' |
Government hopes for a shale-gas revolution have suffered a serious setback after Lancashire councillors unexpectedly rejected plans for the UK’s first fracking site – defying clear advice from their legal and planning advisors to wave them through.
The proposed project in Little Plumpton, near Preston, was turned down due to concerns over an “unacceptable noise impact” and the “adverse urbanising effect on the landscape”, Lancashire County Council said.
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The proposed project in Little Plumpton, near Preston, was turned down due to concerns over an “unacceptable noise impact” and the “adverse urbanising effect on the landscape”, Lancashire County Council said.
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A natural gas well in Bradford County, Pa., where a study found that three households had traces of 2-Butoxyethanol or 2BE, a compound found in Marcellus Shale drilling fluids. Credit Reuters
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Fracking Chemicals Detected in Pennsylvania Drinking Water
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An analysis of drinking water sampled from three homes in Bradford County, Pa., revealed traces of a compound commonly found in Marcellus Shale drilling fluids, according to a study published on Monday.
The paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, addresses a longstanding question about potential risks to underground drinking water from the drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The authors suggested a chain of events by which the drilling chemical ended up in a homeowner’s water supply.
“This is the first case published with a complete story showing organic compounds attributed to shale gas development found in a homeowner’s well,” said Susan Brantley, one of the study’s authors and a geoscientist from Pennsylvania State University.
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The paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, addresses a longstanding question about potential risks to underground drinking water from the drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The authors suggested a chain of events by which the drilling chemical ended up in a homeowner’s water supply.
“This is the first case published with a complete story showing organic compounds attributed to shale gas development found in a homeowner’s well,” said Susan Brantley, one of the study’s authors and a geoscientist from Pennsylvania State University.
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The first extensive study of estate agents on the subject of fracking and house prices revealed a shocking fall in the value. Photo: Reuters
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Fracking could wipe tens of thousands of pounds off house prices |
Fracking could wipe thousands of pounds off the value of homes in areas where the controversial mining technique is allowed to go ahead.
The first extensive estate agents’ survey in Lancashire, Manchester and Sussex – areas in which energy firms have applied to start extracting shale gas – showed that two thirds of respondents thought house prices would suffer.
The majority of agents thought the loss of value per property could be as much as 10pc, while a handful estimated that prices could fall by up to 70pc.
The report, carried out by the research agency Redshift on behalf of Greenpeace, found that more than half of the 60 estate agents questioned feared that fracking could reduce sales.
One in four said that home-buyers had expressed concerns about fracking. Four reported that some customers have pulled out of deals as a result.
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The first extensive estate agents’ survey in Lancashire, Manchester and Sussex – areas in which energy firms have applied to start extracting shale gas – showed that two thirds of respondents thought house prices would suffer.
The majority of agents thought the loss of value per property could be as much as 10pc, while a handful estimated that prices could fall by up to 70pc.
The report, carried out by the research agency Redshift on behalf of Greenpeace, found that more than half of the 60 estate agents questioned feared that fracking could reduce sales.
One in four said that home-buyers had expressed concerns about fracking. Four reported that some customers have pulled out of deals as a result.
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Central Valley's growing concern: Crops raised with oil field water |
Here in California's thirsty farm belt, where pumpjacks nod amid neat rows of crops, it's a proposition that seems to make sense: using treated oil field wastewater to irrigate crops.
Oil giant Chevron recycles 21 million gallons of that water each day and sells it to farmers who use it on about 45,000 acres of crops, about 10% of Kern County's farmland.
State and local officials praise the 2-decade-old program as a national model for coping with the region's water shortages. As California's four-year drought lingers and authorities scramble to conserve every drop, agricultural officials have said that more companies are seeking permits to begin similar programs. The heightened interest in recycling oil field wastewater has raised concern over the adequacy of safety measures in place to prevent contamination from toxic oil production chemicals.
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Oil giant Chevron recycles 21 million gallons of that water each day and sells it to farmers who use it on about 45,000 acres of crops, about 10% of Kern County's farmland.
State and local officials praise the 2-decade-old program as a national model for coping with the region's water shortages. As California's four-year drought lingers and authorities scramble to conserve every drop, agricultural officials have said that more companies are seeking permits to begin similar programs. The heightened interest in recycling oil field wastewater has raised concern over the adequacy of safety measures in place to prevent contamination from toxic oil production chemicals.
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What's that coming over the hill? Photo:Getty
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Under the radar, the party grassroots aren't as pro-fracking as their leaders would like |
In an election where every vote counts and the ground campaign will decide the outcome in key marginals far more than any spin from party HQ, candidates have realised that the issue of fracking can’t be dodged, and being anti-fracking could be a vote-winner after all.
For any election candidates door-knocking in Lancashire this has now become a familiar streetscape: the row of lampposts displaying ‘Frack Free Zone’ notices, the ‘Not for shale’ yard sign, and finally the window poster proclaiming: ‘I’m not backing fracking’. By the time the aspiring MP has reached the doorstep, they know there’s one issue they won’t be able to dodge.
This is hardly surprising in a county lying on the frontline of the controversial fracking advance spearheaded by energy firm Cuadrilla. What’s more remarkable is just how much of an election issue shale extraction has become in many other constituencies right across Britain – not to mention the silent rebellion it’s been fuelling among the Liberal Democrat and Labour rank and file.
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For any election candidates door-knocking in Lancashire this has now become a familiar streetscape: the row of lampposts displaying ‘Frack Free Zone’ notices, the ‘Not for shale’ yard sign, and finally the window poster proclaiming: ‘I’m not backing fracking’. By the time the aspiring MP has reached the doorstep, they know there’s one issue they won’t be able to dodge.
This is hardly surprising in a county lying on the frontline of the controversial fracking advance spearheaded by energy firm Cuadrilla. What’s more remarkable is just how much of an election issue shale extraction has become in many other constituencies right across Britain – not to mention the silent rebellion it’s been fuelling among the Liberal Democrat and Labour rank and file.
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A Cabot Oil and Gas natural gas drill at a hydraulic fracturing site Jan. 17, 2012, in Springville, Pa. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Rise of deadly radon gas in Pennsylvania buildings linked to fracking industry
A new study published Thursday reported a disturbing correlation between unusually high levels of radon gas in mostly residences and an oil and gas production technique known as fracking that has become the industry standard over the past decade.
Writing in the journal Environmental Health Perspective, researchers analyzed levels of radon — a colorless, odorless gas that is radioactive and has been linked to lung cancer — in 860,000 buildings from 1989 to 2013. They found that those in the same areas of the state as the fracking operations generally showed higher readings of radon. About 42 percent of the readings were higher than what is considered safe by federal standards. Moreover, the researchers discovered that radon levels spiked overall in 2004, at about the same time fracking activity began to pick up.
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Writing in the journal Environmental Health Perspective, researchers analyzed levels of radon — a colorless, odorless gas that is radioactive and has been linked to lung cancer — in 860,000 buildings from 1989 to 2013. They found that those in the same areas of the state as the fracking operations generally showed higher readings of radon. About 42 percent of the readings were higher than what is considered safe by federal standards. Moreover, the researchers discovered that radon levels spiked overall in 2004, at about the same time fracking activity began to pick up.
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Germany sets very high bar for fracking
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(Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet signed off on a draft law on Wednesday that imposes an effective ban on the controversial technique of fracking for shale gas.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves blasting chemicals and water into rock formations to release trapped gas. Opposition is strong in densely populated Germany due to concerns about the risk of contaminating drinking water.
Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks said the new law would set Germany's strictest conditions for fracking.
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Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves blasting chemicals and water into rock formations to release trapped gas. Opposition is strong in densely populated Germany due to concerns about the risk of contaminating drinking water.
Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks said the new law would set Germany's strictest conditions for fracking.
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A disaster waiting to happen in Oklahoma? The link between fracking and earthquakes is causing alarm in an oil-rich town
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A transportation hub, Cushing, Oklahoma, is home to just 8,000 people and 87 million barrels of oil. Due to fracking, it’s now one of the most active seismic areas in the US – and potentially the scene of a catastrophe.
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Labour seeks ban on fracking near aquifers
Fracking would be prohibited on the land that collects the nation’s drinking water, under a Labour proposal published on Wednesday. The party also wants to reverse the government’s decision to stop shale gas companies having to notify residents individually of fracking in their area.
David Cameron has said his government is “going all out” for fracking, which it says could be a valuable source of domestic energy, and has already removed the right of homeowners to block fracking under their land. Opponents argue that fracking brings unacceptable health and environmental risks and will add to climate-warming carbon emissions.
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David Cameron has said his government is “going all out” for fracking, which it says could be a valuable source of domestic energy, and has already removed the right of homeowners to block fracking under their land. Opponents argue that fracking brings unacceptable health and environmental risks and will add to climate-warming carbon emissions.
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Ministers' shale gas 'hype' attacked
Ministers have "completely oversold" the potential of shale gas, energy experts say.
Researchers from the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) told the BBC promises of lower prices and greater energy security from UK shale gas were “hype” and "lacking in evidence".
UKERC, an academic consortium covering 30 institutions, has produced a report on the future of gas in the UK.
The Treasury said the potential of shale gas was "too big to ignore".
The report authors said shale gas - a natural gas that can be drawn from rock through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking - was so early in its infancy it was impossible to know how much could be extracted and at what cost.
'Extraordinary' But they said it was most unlikely to make a substantial difference to prices or to the security of energy supplies in the UK.
Supporters say the fracking of shale gas could significantly contribute to the UK's future energy needs, but critics say the process could lead to environmental problems.
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Researchers from the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) told the BBC promises of lower prices and greater energy security from UK shale gas were “hype” and "lacking in evidence".
UKERC, an academic consortium covering 30 institutions, has produced a report on the future of gas in the UK.
The Treasury said the potential of shale gas was "too big to ignore".
The report authors said shale gas - a natural gas that can be drawn from rock through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking - was so early in its infancy it was impossible to know how much could be extracted and at what cost.
'Extraordinary' But they said it was most unlikely to make a substantial difference to prices or to the security of energy supplies in the UK.
Supporters say the fracking of shale gas could significantly contribute to the UK's future energy needs, but critics say the process could lead to environmental problems.
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Fracking emits more formaldehyde than medical students experience from dead bodies
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Fracking can pollute the air with carcinogenic formaldehyde at levels twice as
high as medical students experience when dissecting dead bodies, a new
report has found.
Tests around shale gas wells in the US also found that levels of benzene were up to 770,000 higher than usual background quantities.
The quantities were up to 33 times the concentration that drivers can smell when filling up with fuel at a petrol station.
Levels of hydrogen sulfide, were also up to 60,000 times an acceptable odour threshold.
The exposure a person would get in five minutes at one Wyoming site is equivalent to that living in Los Angeles for two years or Beijing for eight and half months.
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Tests around shale gas wells in the US also found that levels of benzene were up to 770,000 higher than usual background quantities.
The quantities were up to 33 times the concentration that drivers can smell when filling up with fuel at a petrol station.
Levels of hydrogen sulfide, were also up to 60,000 times an acceptable odour threshold.
The exposure a person would get in five minutes at one Wyoming site is equivalent to that living in Los Angeles for two years or Beijing for eight and half months.
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California aquifers contaminated with billions of gallons of fracking wastewater
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Industry illegally injected about 3 billion gallons of fracking wastewater into central California drinking-water and farm-irrigation aquifers, the state found after the US Environmental Protection Agency ordered a review of possible contamination. According to documents obtained by the Center for Biological Diversity, the California State Water Resources Board found that at least nine of the 11 hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, wastewater injection sites that were shut down in July upon suspicion of contamination were in fact riddled with toxic fluids used to unleash energy reserves deep underground.
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Fracking trespass law changes move forward despite huge public opposition
Ministers reject 40,000 objections to allow fracking below homes without owners’ permission
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Fracking will take place below Britons’ homes without their permission after ministers rejected 40,000 objections to controversial changes to trespass laws.
The UK government argued that the current ability for people to block shale gas development under their property would lead to significant delays and that the legal process by which companies can force fracking plans through was costly, time-consuming and disproportionate.
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The UK government argued that the current ability for people to block shale gas development under their property would lead to significant delays and that the legal process by which companies can force fracking plans through was costly, time-consuming and disproportionate.
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East Yorkshire gas-drilling site making locals ‘sick from noxious smells’
People living near a Canadian energy company’s exploratory gas-drilling site in east Yorkshire have complained to the Environment Agency about feeling sick from noxious smells. But the company has re-assured government inspectors and local people there is no danger to human health and has been allowed to continue drilling a 9,000 ft deep “wildcat” bore hole.
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Pro-fracking newspaper ad banned by Advertising Standards Authority |
The Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that a US energy company misled the public when it made unsubstantiated claims about the benefits of fracking and claimed a gas shortage put the UK close to catastrophe.
The ASA ruled against Breitling on all counts. It told the company it must not make its claims again and that future ads should be supported by hard evidence.
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The ASA ruled against Breitling on all counts. It told the company it must not make its claims again and that future ads should be supported by hard evidence.
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Fracking threat wiped £535,000 off my home's value: Five-bedroom home now valued at £190,000 after drilling site was proposed nearby
The potentially massive impact of fracking on house prices was revealed yesterday – with one woman saying the value of her home has been cut by £535,000.
Dianne Westgarth told how the price of her five-bedroom house had plummeted by over 70 per cent as a result of a proposed fracking site nearby.
In 2012, the property – which comes with two-and-a-half acres of land – was valued at £725,000.
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Dianne Westgarth told how the price of her five-bedroom house had plummeted by over 70 per cent as a result of a proposed fracking site nearby.
In 2012, the property – which comes with two-and-a-half acres of land – was valued at £725,000.
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Want to know how fracking will affect you? Sorry, that's a state secret!
Another week, another fracking fiasco. The Government has just published a report on the likely effects of the drilling on Britain's countryside communities – including its possible impact on house prices – that is so heavily redacted it might instead be devoted to a military assessment of options for intervention in Iraq.
Rightly or wrongly, it can only raise suspicions in Middle Britain that ministers and the industry have a lot to hide on how fracking will affect its vital interests. And this would make it even harder for them to get the “social licence” of public support that they acknowledge will be essential if the exploration and exploitation of shale oil and gas is to succeed.
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Rightly or wrongly, it can only raise suspicions in Middle Britain that ministers and the industry have a lot to hide on how fracking will affect its vital interests. And this would make it even harder for them to get the “social licence” of public support that they acknowledge will be essential if the exploration and exploitation of shale oil and gas is to succeed.
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It's fracking dangerous: practice 'poses real problems for our health and environment'
Fracking could unleash health and environmental disasters while failing to deliver the promised economic boom, reports claimed yesterday
Research by US and British scientists and medics warns of potentially lasting damage to tourism and agriculture while bringing only short-term jobs and doing little to cut long-term energy costs.
One of the reports, from the Scientists for Global Responsibility and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and published last month, concluded by saying “confidence” in fracking “is undermined by a series of disingenuous claims made by both the Government and industry”.
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Research by US and British scientists and medics warns of potentially lasting damage to tourism and agriculture while bringing only short-term jobs and doing little to cut long-term energy costs.
One of the reports, from the Scientists for Global Responsibility and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and published last month, concluded by saying “confidence” in fracking “is undermined by a series of disingenuous claims made by both the Government and industry”.
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Polls show little support for fracking
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The latest public survey by the Department of Energy and Climate Change found that 70% of the public support onshore wind, compared to 29% supporting fracking. In addition, a recent ComRes poll, commissioned by RenewableUK, found only 13% surveyed supported fracking to deliver the UK’s energy security, compared to 48% for renewable energy. Many polls have asked people what type of generation they would prefer locally, and renewable energy options, including onshore wind, come out ahead of other options such as fracking.
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Chemicals, dust and deaths and the new rush for oil and gas |
With massive reservoirs of oil and gas trapped in the rocks under our feet, the oil industry is eager to get fracking. But Hazards editor Rory O’Neill warns US evidence of chemical related deaths, a soaring fatality rate and widespread over-exposure to lung wrecking, cancer-causing dust, has raised seriously unhealthy questions.
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Wisborough Green becomes the first village in Britain to fight off fracking |
A picturesque village in West Sussex has become the first community in the country to successfully fight off an application by an energy company to explore for oil and gas, in a blow to the Government’s hopes of a British fracking boom.
West Sussex County Council’s planning committee refused an application by Celtique Energie for oil and gas exploration near the village of Wisborough Green, a conservation area just outside the South Downs National Park.
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West Sussex County Council’s planning committee refused an application by Celtique Energie for oil and gas exploration near the village of Wisborough Green, a conservation area just outside the South Downs National Park.
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All fracked out before we’ve begun?
The 130 resistance groups around the country have dealt a blow to those at the heart of shale gas and oil exploration.
How’s this for a paradox? Fracking has just suffered its greatest setback yet in Britain – in the week that has perhaps done most to make the case for it. For, even as concern about Europe’s energy security escalated following the downing of MH17, a planning application by a shale company was rejected for the first time.
West Sussex county council’s planning committee unanimously refused to allow Celtique Energie to drill through shale rocks near the ancient village of Wisborough Green in the shadow of the South Downs – an exploratory exercise that could have led to fracking. And in doing so – exactly a year after protests in nearby Balcombe took off – it put at risk the drive to unleash what ministers planned to be an oil and gas bonanza in the South East. Indeed, the industry is increasingly regretting ever venturing into the home counties.
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How’s this for a paradox? Fracking has just suffered its greatest setback yet in Britain – in the week that has perhaps done most to make the case for it. For, even as concern about Europe’s energy security escalated following the downing of MH17, a planning application by a shale company was rejected for the first time.
West Sussex county council’s planning committee unanimously refused to allow Celtique Energie to drill through shale rocks near the ancient village of Wisborough Green in the shadow of the South Downs – an exploratory exercise that could have led to fracking. And in doing so – exactly a year after protests in nearby Balcombe took off – it put at risk the drive to unleash what ministers planned to be an oil and gas bonanza in the South East. Indeed, the industry is increasingly regretting ever venturing into the home counties.
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Fracking firm ‘underplayed’ heavy lorries needed for Sussex drilling
Fracking company Celtique Energie presented data that hugely underplayed the number of heavy lorries needed for its planned drilling operations in Sussex, according to local highway officials. Other experts for the South Downs national park, in which Celtique plans to drill, said the company’s claims about noise were “opaque” and underestimated the increase in noise levels.
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Study maps fracking methane risk to drinking water
A major study into the potential of fracking to contaminate drinking water with methane has been published.
The British Geological Survey and the Environment Agency have mapped where key aquifers in England and Wales coincide with locations of shale.
The research reveals this occurs under nearly half of the area containing the principal natural stores of water.
The risk of methane being released into drinking water has long been one of the most sensitive questions over fracking.
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The British Geological Survey and the Environment Agency have mapped where key aquifers in England and Wales coincide with locations of shale.
The research reveals this occurs under nearly half of the area containing the principal natural stores of water.
The risk of methane being released into drinking water has long been one of the most sensitive questions over fracking.
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Four of 10 wells forecast to fail in northeastern Pa.
About 40 percent of the oil and gas wells in parts of the Marcellus shale region will probably be leaking methane into the groundwater or into the atmosphere, concludes a Cornell-led research team that examined the records of more than 41,000 such wells in Pennsylvania.
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Fracking study finds new gas wells leak more
A team of four scientists analyzed more than 75,000 state inspections of gas wells done in Pennsylvania since 2000.
Overall, older wells — those drilled before 2009 — had a leak rate of about 1 percent. Most were traditional wells, drilling straight down. Unconventional wells — those drilled horizontally and commonly referred to as fracking — didn't come on the scene until 2006 and quickly took over.
Newer traditional wells drilled after 2009 had a leak rate of about 2 percent; the rate for unconventional wells was about 6 percent, the study found.
The leak rate reached as high as nearly 10 percent horizontally drilled wells for before and after 2009 in the northeastern part of the state, where drilling is hot and heavy.
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Overall, older wells — those drilled before 2009 — had a leak rate of about 1 percent. Most were traditional wells, drilling straight down. Unconventional wells — those drilled horizontally and commonly referred to as fracking — didn't come on the scene until 2006 and quickly took over.
Newer traditional wells drilled after 2009 had a leak rate of about 2 percent; the rate for unconventional wells was about 6 percent, the study found.
The leak rate reached as high as nearly 10 percent horizontally drilled wells for before and after 2009 in the northeastern part of the state, where drilling is hot and heavy.
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Balcombe anti-fracking group take protest to High Court
Anti-fracking protesters have begun legal proceedings against plans for the continued exploration for oil and gas at Balcombe.
Lawyers for the Frack Free Balcombe Residents Association (FFBRA) claim West Sussex County Council's decision to allow energy company Cuadrilla to carry out further tests is unlawful.
Permission was granted following test-drilling by the company last summer.
Both the council and Cuadrilla have not commented.
West Sussex County Council granted permission for the new tests in May.
In the claim issued at the High Court, Leigh Day, the law firm representing the FFBRA, claim the council were "simply wrong in law" to ignore the number of objections made against the application.
Read more................
Lawyers for the Frack Free Balcombe Residents Association (FFBRA) claim West Sussex County Council's decision to allow energy company Cuadrilla to carry out further tests is unlawful.
Permission was granted following test-drilling by the company last summer.
Both the council and Cuadrilla have not commented.
West Sussex County Council granted permission for the new tests in May.
In the claim issued at the High Court, Leigh Day, the law firm representing the FFBRA, claim the council were "simply wrong in law" to ignore the number of objections made against the application.
Read more................
Fracking risk to drinking water greater in Britain than United States, warns expert.
Fracking poses a much bigger risk of water contamination in Britain than the US, an expert has warned.
David Smythe, Professor of Geophysics at the University of Glasgow, says those citing the US as an example of where fracking has worked are ignoring a fundamental difference to here.
His research suggests there are 400 more fault lines beneath the surface in the UK, dramatically increasing the risk of gas and oil leaking into water sources or to the surface.
The warning comes as the Government is expected to use today’s Queen’s Speech to make it easier to allow shale gas exploration firms to drill beneath private property without needing the owners’ permission.
Read more.......
David Smythe, Professor of Geophysics at the University of Glasgow, says those citing the US as an example of where fracking has worked are ignoring a fundamental difference to here.
His research suggests there are 400 more fault lines beneath the surface in the UK, dramatically increasing the risk of gas and oil leaking into water sources or to the surface.
The warning comes as the Government is expected to use today’s Queen’s Speech to make it easier to allow shale gas exploration firms to drill beneath private property without needing the owners’ permission.
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US shale boom is over, energy revolution needed to avert blackouts
Global energy watchdog confirms 'the party's over' - lowers US production projections, demands urgent investment.
UK officials have claimed Britain needs fracking for industry to 'prosper' and 'the economy to grow'. Increasing data challenges these claims.
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UK officials have claimed Britain needs fracking for industry to 'prosper' and 'the economy to grow'. Increasing data challenges these claims.
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Centrica holds off 'betting’ on fracking
The British Gas owner says it is unlikely to bid for more UK fracking rights when they are offered in coming weeks.
Centrica has said it is unlikely to bid for more UK fracking rights when they are offered in coming weeks, underlining the uncertainty over whether shale gas extraction will prove to be viable.
The British Gas owner last year became the first major company to back the search for UK shale when it bought a 25pc stake in licences owned by Cuadrilla in the Bowland basin in Lancs, in a deal worth up to £160m.
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Centrica has said it is unlikely to bid for more UK fracking rights when they are offered in coming weeks, underlining the uncertainty over whether shale gas extraction will prove to be viable.
The British Gas owner last year became the first major company to back the search for UK shale when it bought a 25pc stake in licences owned by Cuadrilla in the Bowland basin in Lancs, in a deal worth up to £160m.
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Scientists: Tests prove fracking to blame for flaming Parker County wells
For the past two years, News 8 has aired a series of stories of flames shooting from water wells in Parker County. Dangerous levels of methane gas somehow found its way into the water supply.
While Barnett Shale gas producers deny any connection to their operations, a pair of scientists are now disputing that. They say test results just released by state regulators provide concrete evidence linking fracking and groundwater contamination.
Read more..................
While Barnett Shale gas producers deny any connection to their operations, a pair of scientists are now disputing that. They say test results just released by state regulators provide concrete evidence linking fracking and groundwater contamination.
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Write-down of two-thirds of US shale oil explodes fracking myth
Industry's over-inflated reserve estimates are unravelling, and with it the 'American dream' of oil independence
Next month, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) will publish a new estimate of US shale deposits set to deal a death-blow to industry hype about a new golden era of US energy independence by fracking unconventional oil and gas.
EIA officials told the Los Angeles Times that previous estimates of recoverable oil in the Monterey shale reserves in California of about 15.4 billion barrels were vastly overstated. The revised estimate, they said, will slash this amount by 96% to a puny 600 million barrels of oil.
Read more.............
Next month, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) will publish a new estimate of US shale deposits set to deal a death-blow to industry hype about a new golden era of US energy independence by fracking unconventional oil and gas.
EIA officials told the Los Angeles Times that previous estimates of recoverable oil in the Monterey shale reserves in California of about 15.4 billion barrels were vastly overstated. The revised estimate, they said, will slash this amount by 96% to a puny 600 million barrels of oil.
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Coal gas company warns - stop campaigning or we will sue
A company bidding to undertake 'underground coal gasification (UGC) - a notoriously hazardous and polluting process - in the UK has threatened a Scottish clean energy campaigner: shut up or get sued.
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Anti-fracking protest: Former East Riding Council director John Mager charged over Crawberry Hill campaign
A FORMER director of children's services at East Riding Council has been charged in connection with an anti-fracking protest near Walkington.
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Struggling Dart Energy agrees to merger with Britain's IGas Energy
Dart Energy has abandoned hopes of emerging as a global player in non-conventional gas, agreeing to a scrip merger from a UK operator that will see it dump all its non-UK assets.
Dart has agreed to merge with IGas Energy, which is listed on London's secondary AIM market, via a scheme of arrangement.
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Dart has agreed to merge with IGas Energy, which is listed on London's secondary AIM market, via a scheme of arrangement.
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Egdon Resources in advanced talks to buy Alkane shale assets
Independent oil and gas explorer Egdon Resources (EGRE.L) said it was in advanced talks to buy Alkane Energy's (ALKN.L) shale assets in Britain as interest in the country's nascent shale gas industry gathers pace.
The deal would give Egdon Resources access to sizeable resources as Alkane Energy holds oil and gas licenses for more than 800 sq km of land expected to contain shale gas.
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The deal would give Egdon Resources access to sizeable resources as Alkane Energy holds oil and gas licenses for more than 800 sq km of land expected to contain shale gas.
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Texas family plagued with ailments gets $3M in 1st-of-its-kind fracking judgment
Dallas (CNN) -- When the Parr family started having serious health problems late in 2008, they had no idea it was associated with what they call "a multitude" of drilling operations that popped up near their 40-acre ranch in Decatur, 60 miles northwest of Dallas.
At first, Lisa Parr dismissed her migraine headaches, nausea and dizziness as the flu, but when her symptoms persistently got worse, she knew something more serious was involved.
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At first, Lisa Parr dismissed her migraine headaches, nausea and dizziness as the flu, but when her symptoms persistently got worse, she knew something more serious was involved.
Read more...............
UN set to warn countries over 'dash for gas'
Governments are likely to be warned next week that a "dash for gas" will not solve climate change.
The chancellor and prime minister have promoted gas as a clean option for powering the UK.
But a draft report for the United Nation's third panel on climate change says gas cannot provide a long-term solution to stabilising climate change.
Gas is only worthwhile if it is used to substitute a dirty coal plant - and then only for a short period, it says.
Instead the world should be trebling or quadrupling the share of renewables for electricity, the authors say.
Read more......
The chancellor and prime minister have promoted gas as a clean option for powering the UK.
But a draft report for the United Nation's third panel on climate change says gas cannot provide a long-term solution to stabilising climate change.
Gas is only worthwhile if it is used to substitute a dirty coal plant - and then only for a short period, it says.
Instead the world should be trebling or quadrupling the share of renewables for electricity, the authors say.
Read more......
Shale industry faces global reality check
As US energy costs tumble on the back of shale oil and gas, the rest of the world is gripped with envy.
Just four years ago, natural gas prices in Europe were roughly comparable with those in the US; now they are three times higher. In Japan, they are five times higher.
Understandably, countries around the world want a piece of the action.
Governments from the UK and Poland to China and Argentina are dreaming of cheap power and, just as importantly for some, energy security. Shale, many have decided, is the answer.
But can the shale gas revolution in the US really be replicated around the world?
Read more..........
Just four years ago, natural gas prices in Europe were roughly comparable with those in the US; now they are three times higher. In Japan, they are five times higher.
Understandably, countries around the world want a piece of the action.
Governments from the UK and Poland to China and Argentina are dreaming of cheap power and, just as importantly for some, energy security. Shale, many have decided, is the answer.
But can the shale gas revolution in the US really be replicated around the world?
Read more..........
US fracking wells annually produce 280bn gallons of toxic waste water destroying environment – report
As US public policy debates over the dangers and benefits of fracking for shale gas persist, a new report has emerged showing that the practice generated 280 billion gallons of toxic waste last year - containing cancer-causing and radioactive substances.
Fracking a single well can use between two and nine million gallons of water combined with sand and chemicals. Much of the fresh water used returns to the earth’s surface, but contains radium and bromides.
Read more...........
Fracking a single well can use between two and nine million gallons of water combined with sand and chemicals. Much of the fresh water used returns to the earth’s surface, but contains radium and bromides.
Read more...........
'Orphan' oil wells warning for fracking
Plans to expand shale gas "fracking" in the UK must learn from leaks and poor monitoring at existing onshore oil and gas sites, scientists say.
A review of 2,152 wells drilled from 1902-2013 found up to 100 "orphaned" wells for which no firm is responsible.
Only two cases of well "failure" were recorded, but legacy sites are not monitored for leaks, the authors note.
Read more.....
A review of 2,152 wells drilled from 1902-2013 found up to 100 "orphaned" wells for which no firm is responsible.
Only two cases of well "failure" were recorded, but legacy sites are not monitored for leaks, the authors note.
Read more.....
Oil and gas has highest bribery rate
The oil and gas industry was subject to the most prosecutions for bribery and graft in the UK of any sector over the past four years, according to a new survey.
The study by Ernst & Young found that of 26 completed cases since 2008, oil and gas made up nearly one-fifth of prosecutions. The industry saw five completed cases, compared to three each in the medical goods, insurance, and engineering and construction sectors.
Read more.......
The study by Ernst & Young found that of 26 completed cases since 2008, oil and gas made up nearly one-fifth of prosecutions. The industry saw five completed cases, compared to three each in the medical goods, insurance, and engineering and construction sectors.
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Owen Paterson held urgent meeting for fracking boss, documents show
Cuadrilla's chairman, Lord Browne, had already met the Environment Agency's chair, Lord Chris Smith, at least three times to dispute whether regulations covering drilling waste applied to the company's operations. At the meeting Paterson organised at Browne's request, Smith offered to halve the consultation time for a waste permit, agreed to intervene with a county council over Cuadrilla's planning permission and to identify further risks to Cuadrilla's plans.
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Fracking and water: what we can learn from the US experience
Water is a critical but contentious resource for the fracking industry, which is booming in the US and poised to take off globally. Despite vast media coverage on the topic, many issues remain poorly understood by policymakers, the business community and other stakeholders who stand to be affected by the industry's widening presence.
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Media Release: Doctors alarmed by water contamination from unconventional gas mining
Health advocacy organisation, Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) is alarmed by water contamination in an aquifer associated with a Santos coal seam gas project in the Pilliga Forest, NSW.
A NSW EPA investigation found that storage facilities for contaminated water produced by the CSG mining project were inadequate, and that there was no evidence the necessary testing and quality controls occurred. Levels of heavy metals and radioactive substances are reported to be elevated in a nearby aquifer, with uranium levels well above Australian drinking water guidelines.
Read more......
A NSW EPA investigation found that storage facilities for contaminated water produced by the CSG mining project were inadequate, and that there was no evidence the necessary testing and quality controls occurred. Levels of heavy metals and radioactive substances are reported to be elevated in a nearby aquifer, with uranium levels well above Australian drinking water guidelines.
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Fracking shame: Full threat to British wildlife is laid bare in a new report showing up to half the country could be licensed for shale gas extraction
The threat posed to wildlife by fracking is laid bare today as a new report identifies vast swathes of environmentally sensitive land across Britain that could be excavated for shale oil and gas.
Read more.....
The threat posed to wildlife by fracking is laid bare today as a new report identifies vast swathes of environmentally sensitive land across Britain that could be excavated for shale oil and gas.
Read more.....
Vince Cable: shale gas won't be a reality in UK for at least a decade
Shale gas is no more than a long-term possibility for the UK and should not be a key plank of energy policy for the next decade, one of the most senior Liberal Democrats in the cabinet has warned.
Read more......
Shale gas is no more than a long-term possibility for the UK and should not be a key plank of energy policy for the next decade, one of the most senior Liberal Democrats in the cabinet has warned.
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Shell's American Woes Highlight Difficulty of Cracking Shale
Shell's new boss, Ben van Beurden, said bets on U.S. shale plays haven't worked out for his company. Its North American performance was already hit by pessimism over offshore Alaska, but its latest move shows Big Oil hasn't quite mastered how best to capitalize on the U.S. oil boom.
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Shell's new boss, Ben van Beurden, said bets on U.S. shale plays haven't worked out for his company. Its North American performance was already hit by pessimism over offshore Alaska, but its latest move shows Big Oil hasn't quite mastered how best to capitalize on the U.S. oil boom.
Read more....
Santos coal seam gas project contaminates aquifer
A coal seam gas project operated by energy company Santos in north-western NSW has contaminated a nearby aquifer, with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines, an official investigation has found.
Read more......................
A coal seam gas project operated by energy company Santos in north-western NSW has contaminated a nearby aquifer, with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines, an official investigation has found.
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Pro-fracking Tory MP rejects drilling in his own backyard
A senior Tory MP who has previously voiced strong support for fracking has said he is "very unlikely" to back an application to drill on land in his own constituency.
In what is being seen as a test case for fracking in national parks, Andrew Tyrie, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, has made it clear he is likely to oppose plans to drill in Fernhurst, a village in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
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A senior Tory MP who has previously voiced strong support for fracking has said he is "very unlikely" to back an application to drill on land in his own constituency.
In what is being seen as a test case for fracking in national parks, Andrew Tyrie, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, has made it clear he is likely to oppose plans to drill in Fernhurst, a village in the South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
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Paying the Polluter to Pollute
The fossil fuel industry has long known that it is huge part of the problem, yet the UK government still subsidises the fossil fuel industry to the tune of £4.3 billion a year, and aviation fuel is subsidised at a remarkable £9.92bn every year.
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The fossil fuel industry has long known that it is huge part of the problem, yet the UK government still subsidises the fossil fuel industry to the tune of £4.3 billion a year, and aviation fuel is subsidised at a remarkable £9.92bn every year.
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Pro-fracking planning reforms rushed through despite strong opposition, Lords warn
Homeowners will no longer be individually notified of plans to drill under their homes, as part of changes that Lords suggest received inadequate public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.
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Homeowners will no longer be individually notified of plans to drill under their homes, as part of changes that Lords suggest received inadequate public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.
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Fracking firms 'should pay £6bn a year tax to compensate for climate change'
Cambridge University study says shale gas companies should pay for harm they will cause to environment.
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Fracking linked to endocrine-disrupting exposure
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France’s Fracking Ban ‘Absolute’ After Court Upholds Law
France’s constitutional court upheld a ban on hydraulic fracturing, ruling that the law against the energy-exploration technique known as fracking is a valid means of protecting the environment.
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France’s constitutional court upheld a ban on hydraulic fracturing, ruling that the law against the energy-exploration technique known as fracking is a valid means of protecting the environment.
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Blow for George Osborne as Tory council chiefs oppose fracking in Chancellor’s constituency
Cheshire East council leader says it will remain "fracking free" while Cheshire West and Chester leader says he is unlikely to support fracking unless cash benefits are increased.
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Fracking contamination more common than US states report, says new review
In at least four energy boom states, AP found hundreds of complaints about well-water contamination from oil or gas drilling.
Read more .....
In at least four energy boom states, AP found hundreds of complaints about well-water contamination from oil or gas drilling.
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David Cameron's 'all out' dash to embrace fracking is a risky gamble
Shale gas remains a costly, polluting option to source energy for the UK with doubtful long-term benefits – and it won't cut bills
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Shale gas remains a costly, polluting option to source energy for the UK with doubtful long-term benefits – and it won't cut bills
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Fracking incentives will give councils 'contradictory roles'
Campaigners and local MP say business rates for drilling operations will undermine trust in local government decisions.
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Lawsuit alleges BP, Chevron dumped radioactive waste into Louisiana waters
Oil behemoths BP and Chevron dumped toxic waste - including some radioactive material - from their drilling operations into coastal waters, claims Louisiana parish Plaquemines in a lawsuit removed to federal court Thursday.
Plaquemines Parish alleges the companies released oil field waste into ocean water “without limitation,” violating the Louisiana State and Local Coastal Resources Management Act of 1978. The law requires companies to clear, revegetate, detoxify or restore polluted areas, which the companies did not do, the lawsuit claims.
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Earthquakes from onshore gas drilling threaten a disaster, warn residents of Dutch city
Residents of the Dutch city of Groningen are upin arms over onshore gas drilling that has triggered earthquakes, damaging homes and sending property prices crashing.
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Residents of the Dutch city of Groningen are upin arms over onshore gas drilling that has triggered earthquakes, damaging homes and sending property prices crashing.
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Taxpayers to pay for fracking pollution if companies go bust.
Minister rejects proposal to amend regulations to make companies sign a bond to pay for potential pollution incidents
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Minister rejects proposal to amend regulations to make companies sign a bond to pay for potential pollution incidents
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Fracking hell: what it's really like to live next to a shale gas well.
Nausea, headaches and nosebleeds, invasive chemical smells, constant drilling, slumping property prices – welcome to Ponder, Texas, where fracking has overtaken the town. With the chancellor last week announcing tax breaks for drilling companies, could the UK be facing the same fate?
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Nausea, headaches and nosebleeds, invasive chemical smells, constant drilling, slumping property prices – welcome to Ponder, Texas, where fracking has overtaken the town. With the chancellor last week announcing tax breaks for drilling companies, could the UK be facing the same fate?
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Lord Browne: fracking will not reduce UK gas prices
Statement contradicts David Cameron and George Osborne's claims that shale gas could help curb soaring energy bills
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Statement contradicts David Cameron and George Osborne's claims that shale gas could help curb soaring energy bills
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Fracking to blame? Texas rocked by 16 earthquakes in last 3 weeks
Northern Texas towns are experiencing an intense string of earthquakes – the last of which was one of the most powerful in 5 years. As unusual tremors have been going on for over 3 weeks now, many suspect fracking might be to blame.
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Pro-fracking Tory MP rejects drilling in his own backyard
Andrew Tyrie, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, says he is 'very unlikely' to support fracking in his own constituency.
Read more...............
Andrew Tyrie, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, says he is 'very unlikely' to support fracking in his own constituency.
Read more...............
Stirling Council to oppose Dart Energy plans gas plans.
Stirling Council has said it will oppose controversial plans to extract gas from coal beds in the Forth Valley.
Dart Energy is currently awaiting theoutcome of an appeal to the Scottish government for planning permission to drill at 14 sites.
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Stirling Council has said it will oppose controversial plans to extract gas from coal beds in the Forth Valley.
Dart Energy is currently awaiting theoutcome of an appeal to the Scottish government for planning permission to drill at 14 sites.
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David Cameron was wrong to raise public's hopes on fracking, says energy expert.
Professor Jim Watson says the public should not expect the kind of prices from fracking as seen in the United States
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Professor Jim Watson says the public should not expect the kind of prices from fracking as seen in the United States
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Plans for Kent methane gas drilling withdrawn
Coastal Oil and Gas Ltd had applied to Kent County Council to carry out exploratory drilling in Shepherdswell, Guston and Tilmanstone.
Coastal Oil and Gas Ltd had applied to Kent County Council to carry out exploratory drilling in Shepherdswell, Guston and Tilmanstone.
Documents: Leaked Industry E-Mails and Reports Over the past six months
The New York Times reviewed thousands of pages of documents related to shale gas, including hundreds of industry e-mails, internal agency documents and reports by analysts. A selection of these documents is included here; names and identifying information have been redacted to protect the confidentiality of sources, many of whom were not authorized by their employers to communicate with The Times.
Read More..........
The New York Times reviewed thousands of pages of documents related to shale gas, including hundreds of industry e-mails, internal agency documents and reports by analysts. A selection of these documents is included here; names and identifying information have been redacted to protect the confidentiality of sources, many of whom were not authorized by their employers to communicate with The Times.
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Josh Fox: anti-fracking protests could stop drilling in the UK
US film-maker and activist hails power of protest at screenings of his new film on impact of fracking, Gasland II
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US film-maker and activist hails power of protest at screenings of his new film on impact of fracking, Gasland II
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Pressure mounts over pollution fears if permission is granted to extract coal bed gas methane in Wrexham
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Confirmed: Fracking practices to blame for Ohio earthquakes
Wastewater from the controversial practice of fracking appears to be linked to all the earthquakes in a town in Ohio that had no known past quakes, research now reveals.
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Wastewater from the controversial practice of fracking appears to be linked to all the earthquakes in a town in Ohio that had no known past quakes, research now reveals.
Read more......
Scotland to block fracking on environmental grounds
Paul Wheelhouse, the Scottish environment and climate change minister, has said there are “no environmental permissions which would allow hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Scotland at this time”.
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Paul Wheelhouse, the Scottish environment and climate change minister, has said there are “no environmental permissions which would allow hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Scotland at this time”.
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Campaigners hail ‘anti-fracking’ policy changes
NEW policies aimed at protecting communities from controversial energy projects are a “setback” for firms hoping to extract shale gas, environmental campaigners said.
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NEW policies aimed at protecting communities from controversial energy projects are a “setback” for firms hoping to extract shale gas, environmental campaigners said.
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More trouble for the embattled fracking industry – employment prospects are plunging.
New evidence suggests that it will provide far fewer jobs than had been predicted, not least by the Prime Minister, that they will not last long, and that few of them will go to local people.
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New evidence suggests that it will provide far fewer jobs than had been predicted, not least by the Prime Minister, that they will not last long, and that few of them will go to local people.
Read more..............
France cements fracking ban
A law prohibiting fracking for shale gas has been upheld by France's constitutional court, citing environmental protection
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A law prohibiting fracking for shale gas has been upheld by France's constitutional court, citing environmental protection
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Fracking Water: It's Just So Hard to Clean National Geographic (blog)
As the term implies, "hydraulic fracturing" involves water -- and, as it turns out, lots of it. (See pond pictured here.) A new study reveals yet another crack in the ... Read more........
As the term implies, "hydraulic fracturing" involves water -- and, as it turns out, lots of it. (See pond pictured here.) A new study reveals yet another crack in the ... Read more........
1st of October
Chester Labour and Greens Slam Fracking dash.
Chester Labour and Greens Slam Fracking dash.
28th of September
Energy supplier promises 'frack-free' gas - Link
Welsh Greens take fracking protest to Cardiff This is South Wales CAMPAIGNERS against "extreme energy" were due to gather in Cardiff today to make their voices heard in the Welsh Government. Organised by the Wales ...
Green Party MP to be charged over anti-fracking protest Mirror.co.uk Green Party MP to be charged over anti-fracking protest ... Party MP Caroline Lucas is to be prosecuted for her part in last month's anti-fracking demonstrations. See all stories on this topic »
Hargreaves loses£60m on Maltby The Star Hargreaves Services' closure of Maltby Colliery, in Rotherham, and fraud at the company's Belgium subsidiary resulted in a loss of £81.8 million for the ...
Energy supplier promises 'frack-free' gas - Link
Welsh Greens take fracking protest to Cardiff This is South Wales CAMPAIGNERS against "extreme energy" were due to gather in Cardiff today to make their voices heard in the Welsh Government. Organised by the Wales ...
Green Party MP to be charged over anti-fracking protest Mirror.co.uk Green Party MP to be charged over anti-fracking protest ... Party MP Caroline Lucas is to be prosecuted for her part in last month's anti-fracking demonstrations. See all stories on this topic »
Hargreaves loses£60m on Maltby The Star Hargreaves Services' closure of Maltby Colliery, in Rotherham, and fraud at the company's Belgium subsidiary resulted in a loss of £81.8 million for the ...
24th of September
Cougar fined over Kingaroy UCG trial Toowoomba Chronicle COUGAR Energy has been fined $75,000 for releasing a cancer-causing chemical into groundwater at Kingaroy. The release was done during the company's ...
Cougar fined over Kingaroy UCG trial Toowoomba Chronicle COUGAR Energy has been fined $75,000 for releasing a cancer-causing chemical into groundwater at Kingaroy. The release was done during the company's ...
22nd of September
Top policeman defends pressure point tactics used at Balcombe fracking protest
UKIP spokesman denounces anti-fracking ‘eco-freaks’
Lancashire anti-fracking protestors target conference
Fracking Sparks Food Safety Concern as expert warns of serious risk to livestock.
Top policeman defends pressure point tactics used at Balcombe fracking protest
UKIP spokesman denounces anti-fracking ‘eco-freaks’
Lancashire anti-fracking protestors target conference
Fracking Sparks Food Safety Concern as expert warns of serious risk to livestock.
17th September 2013
Fracking protesters can remain at Balcombe until October, court rules- The Guardian
Fracking chemical leak kills threatened fish - New Scientist
Warwickshire coal gas extraction plan 'shocking'
Fracking Flooding Disaster in Colorado
Sir David King warns against fracking Former UK scientific adviser says gas from unconventional sources could have huge environmental consequences
Fracking protesters can remain at Balcombe until October, court rules- The Guardian
Fracking chemical leak kills threatened fish - New Scientist
Warwickshire coal gas extraction plan 'shocking'
Fracking Flooding Disaster in Colorado
Sir David King warns against fracking Former UK scientific adviser says gas from unconventional sources could have huge environmental consequences
15th September 2013
Yet Another Study Confirms Fracking Wastewater Wells Cause ... Another study connecting fracking with earthquakes?
Local lawmakers oppose fracking bill KGET 17 BAKERSFIELD - State lawmakers passed a bill this week, that will give California the nation's strictest restrictions on fracking oil wells. But, local officials worry it ...
MP in 'have your say' plea over Salford fracking plan Manchester Evening News This map shows the proposed Salford fracking site in pink .... as the countdown to exploratory drilling which could lead to shale gas 'fracking' in Salford starts.
Cotswold residents have dismissed rumours that fracking could ... Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard A NUMBER of Cotswold residents have contacted the Standard to throw cold water on circulating rumours that fracking could come to the district before long.
Council seeks eviction of Balcombe protesters in High Court The Argus Anti-fracking activists have been protesting against energy Caudrilla which has ... A spokeswoman for No Fracking in Balcombe Society (No FiBS) said: “The ...
Yet Another Study Confirms Fracking Wastewater Wells Cause ... Another study connecting fracking with earthquakes?
Local lawmakers oppose fracking bill KGET 17 BAKERSFIELD - State lawmakers passed a bill this week, that will give California the nation's strictest restrictions on fracking oil wells. But, local officials worry it ...
MP in 'have your say' plea over Salford fracking plan Manchester Evening News This map shows the proposed Salford fracking site in pink .... as the countdown to exploratory drilling which could lead to shale gas 'fracking' in Salford starts.
Cotswold residents have dismissed rumours that fracking could ... Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard A NUMBER of Cotswold residents have contacted the Standard to throw cold water on circulating rumours that fracking could come to the district before long.
Council seeks eviction of Balcombe protesters in High Court The Argus Anti-fracking activists have been protesting against energy Caudrilla which has ... A spokeswoman for No Fracking in Balcombe Society (No FiBS) said: “The ...
9th September 2013
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/10658190.Bucks_environmentalist_calls_for_fracking_ban/
Fracking fears over coalfield plansKent Online-47 minutes agoConcerns have been raised over three applications for gas drilling in the former Kent Coalfield, with opponents saying it could lead to ...
Lord Cowdray speaks out against frackingBBC News-10 hours agoA major landowner in West Sussex has said he opposes an energy company's plans to drill for oil and gas in the village where he lives.
Fracking won't lower energy bills, says DaveyTelegraph.co.uk-20 minutes ago"North Sea gas didn't significantly move UK prices – so we can't expect UK shale production alone to have any effect," Mr Davey said, pointing ..
Cuadrillas-Balcombe-drilling-may-have-broken-noise-rules.html
Call for fracking rethink in Sheffield
Britain's debate over fracking erupts in popular resistance The Seattle Times An exploratory test well that could eventually lead to a fracking operation has turned a quaint British village into a focal point of protest and national political ...
Minister Bill Marmion offers to drink fracking fluid Herald Sun MINES Minister Bill Marmion has offered to drink fracking fluid to prove it poses no threat to the ... Opponents of fracking argue it is a major threat to groundwater.
Chemicals in fracking fluids could elevate cancer rates, says doctor ... Real Aspen The former president of the Colorado Medical Society says the current hydraulic fracturing boom in the state's oil and gas industry is an “experiment in motion” ...
http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/10658190.Bucks_environmentalist_calls_for_fracking_ban/
Fracking fears over coalfield plansKent Online-47 minutes agoConcerns have been raised over three applications for gas drilling in the former Kent Coalfield, with opponents saying it could lead to ...
Lord Cowdray speaks out against frackingBBC News-10 hours agoA major landowner in West Sussex has said he opposes an energy company's plans to drill for oil and gas in the village where he lives.
Fracking won't lower energy bills, says DaveyTelegraph.co.uk-20 minutes ago"North Sea gas didn't significantly move UK prices – so we can't expect UK shale production alone to have any effect," Mr Davey said, pointing ..
Cuadrillas-Balcombe-drilling-may-have-broken-noise-rules.html
Call for fracking rethink in Sheffield
Britain's debate over fracking erupts in popular resistance The Seattle Times An exploratory test well that could eventually lead to a fracking operation has turned a quaint British village into a focal point of protest and national political ...
Minister Bill Marmion offers to drink fracking fluid Herald Sun MINES Minister Bill Marmion has offered to drink fracking fluid to prove it poses no threat to the ... Opponents of fracking argue it is a major threat to groundwater.
Chemicals in fracking fluids could elevate cancer rates, says doctor ... Real Aspen The former president of the Colorado Medical Society says the current hydraulic fracturing boom in the state's oil and gas industry is an “experiment in motion” ...
4th September 2013
Balcombe protests: Fracking row village sees fresh plan BBC News Oil drilling will cease in a village at the centre of an anti-fracking campaign by the end of September, but further testing could take place under new plans by ...
Cameron's claim fracking will lower gas prices is baseless, says ... The Guardian Lord Nicholas Stern says it is 'odd' for David Cameron to say fracking will bring ... The claim by prime minister David Cameron that fracking in the UK can drive ...
Preston fracking protest at Lancashire council offices BBC News Protesters opposed to fracking have set up a mock drilling rig outside Lancashire County Council's headquarters in Preston. About 10 people from Greenpeace ...
Anti-fracking campaigners are 'scaremongering', claims ... Express.co.uk A LEADING Green Party member has reacted with anger after Environment Secretary Owen Paterson accused anti-fracking campaigners of "scaremongering".
Fracking operations on the cards Perthshire Advertiser Highly-controversial 'fracking' operations could be considered by Perth and Kinross Council in the near future. According to PKC, 'large parts' of the Big County ...
Stern questions for shale gas fracking | ToUChstone blog: A public ... Philip Pearson Today, as 60 Sussex police were required escort lorries to Cuadrilla's fracking site in Balcombe, Lord Stern challenged the government's claim that.
Balcombe protests: Fracking row village sees fresh plan BBC News Oil drilling will cease in a village at the centre of an anti-fracking campaign by the end of September, but further testing could take place under new plans by ...
Cameron's claim fracking will lower gas prices is baseless, says ... The Guardian Lord Nicholas Stern says it is 'odd' for David Cameron to say fracking will bring ... The claim by prime minister David Cameron that fracking in the UK can drive ...
Preston fracking protest at Lancashire council offices BBC News Protesters opposed to fracking have set up a mock drilling rig outside Lancashire County Council's headquarters in Preston. About 10 people from Greenpeace ...
Anti-fracking campaigners are 'scaremongering', claims ... Express.co.uk A LEADING Green Party member has reacted with anger after Environment Secretary Owen Paterson accused anti-fracking campaigners of "scaremongering".
Fracking operations on the cards Perthshire Advertiser Highly-controversial 'fracking' operations could be considered by Perth and Kinross Council in the near future. According to PKC, 'large parts' of the Big County ...
Stern questions for shale gas fracking | ToUChstone blog: A public ... Philip Pearson Today, as 60 Sussex police were required escort lorries to Cuadrilla's fracking site in Balcombe, Lord Stern challenged the government's claim that.
2nd September 2013
So Extraction already in progress at Maltby
www.quantica-technology.co.uk/latest-it-news/company-news/alkane-energy-experiences-spike-in-output
More fracking planned for Sussex The Argus A gas company has announced it is applying for more exploratory drilling for shale gas and oil near Wiseborough Green and Kirdford, West Sussex. Celtique ...
Romanians protest against fracking, mining projects The Australian Financial Review Protesters demonstrate against the proposed development by a Canadian mining company of Europe's largest cyanide based extraction open-cast gold mine in ..
BBC NewsBritain's debate over fracking ignites popular resistanceWashington Post-2 hours agoBALCOMBE, England — This might seem a bizarre place for a battle over energy policy in Britain. A quaint village with a single pub, ...
Lush boss Mark Constantine: Why we're using bumper profits to help ...This is Money-8 hours agoBut Lush takes action 'collectively' and Constantine says: 'I knew nothing about fracking before it was suggested as a campaign. It doesn't ...
Injection of Fracking Fluids Linked to Ohio Earthquakes?Energy Collective-7 hours agoIt's a common complaint these days: government regulations have gotten out of hand (see here and here), they're stifling the American ...
Fracking: Wales could follow US in gas drillingBBC News-30 Aug 2013Following a summer when a drilling process called fracking hit the headlines, protest groups opposed to it have been springing up in Wales.
So Extraction already in progress at Maltby
www.quantica-technology.co.uk/latest-it-news/company-news/alkane-energy-experiences-spike-in-output
More fracking planned for Sussex The Argus A gas company has announced it is applying for more exploratory drilling for shale gas and oil near Wiseborough Green and Kirdford, West Sussex. Celtique ...
Romanians protest against fracking, mining projects The Australian Financial Review Protesters demonstrate against the proposed development by a Canadian mining company of Europe's largest cyanide based extraction open-cast gold mine in ..
BBC NewsBritain's debate over fracking ignites popular resistanceWashington Post-2 hours agoBALCOMBE, England — This might seem a bizarre place for a battle over energy policy in Britain. A quaint village with a single pub, ...
Lush boss Mark Constantine: Why we're using bumper profits to help ...This is Money-8 hours agoBut Lush takes action 'collectively' and Constantine says: 'I knew nothing about fracking before it was suggested as a campaign. It doesn't ...
Injection of Fracking Fluids Linked to Ohio Earthquakes?Energy Collective-7 hours agoIt's a common complaint these days: government regulations have gotten out of hand (see here and here), they're stifling the American ...
Fracking: Wales could follow US in gas drillingBBC News-30 Aug 2013Following a summer when a drilling process called fracking hit the headlines, protest groups opposed to it have been springing up in Wales.