The government has proposed a relaxation in the planning laws which apply to fracking. Under the plans, preliminary drilling could be classed as permitted development – the same law that allows people to build a small conservatory. Ministers are also proposing a shale environmental regulator and a new planning brokerage service. Opponents of fracking say it shows the government is desperate to encourage fracking. They call the proposed relaxation of planning law an outrageous subversion of the planning process. Energy Minister Claire Perry said: “This package of measures delivers on our manifesto promise to support shale and it will ensure exploration happens in the most environmentally responsible way while making it easier for companies and local communities to work together.” She said shale gas had the potential to lower energy prices, although opponents of the technology say there is no evidence this will happen in the UK.
BBC 17th May 2018 read more »
FT 17th May 2018 read more »
Drill or Drop 17th May 2018 read more »
