Fracking in Dorset – an issue that splits parties in County Council elections
FrackFreeDorset have written to parties fielding candidates in the May County Council elections, requesting a policy statement on the issue of unconventional gas exploitation (fracking) in Dorset.
FrackFreeDorset is a growing coalition of groups and individuals opposed to the unconventional extraction of oil and gas from shale by the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The group opposes fracking on the grounds of the industrialisation of the landscape, the danger of contamination to aquifers and the release of the potent greenhouse gas methane. Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences covering South and East Dorset have recently been issued. Licenced companies must then apply to the County Council for planning permission, giving councillors a vital decision-making role.
http://www.frackfreedorset.org/
Conservative Party
Nationally the most recent action on fracking was in the budget when George Osborne announced “Shale gas is part of the future and we will make it happen.” He was announcing tax breaks for fracking companies.
Locally, the chairman of the South Dorset Conservative Association, David Crowhurst, issued the statement: “It is an important issue for Dorset that needs careful consideration. The assessment by the county council is at the Planning stage and will give an indication of how members and the Authority feel.”
Liberal Democrats
No statement yet received from local candidates
Nationally Ed Davey, the Energy Secretary, stated in Dec 2012: ” Shale gas represents a promising new potential energy resource for the UK”
He also said “Fracking must be safe and the public must be confident it is safe”.
Labour Party
Nationally Caroline Flint MP, Labour’s Shadow Energy Secretary, said in Dec 2012 “Labour has always said that fracking should only go ahead if it is shown to be safe and environmentally sound. If the Government believes that this is the case then we will look carefully at their proposals.”
Locally, West Dorset Labour Party pointed out that all Dorchester and District candidates ( Vicki Black, Barry Thompson, Lesley Begley, Andy Hutchings, Ann Kenwood) are Labour and Co-operative candidates. The Co-op group organised the first public meeting in Dorchester to air concerns about fracking. These candidates are in clear opposition to fracking in Dorset.
The Green Party
West and South Dorset Green Party issued the following statement:
” No to fracking for shale gas in Dorset: Green councillors would argue vigorously against any proposal to licence companies to explore for shale gas in Dorset. Hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ risks contaminating ground water sources and causes ground and air pollution. As a form of energy, shale gas would increase carbon emissions and contribute to global warming. Greens support massive investment in renewables.”
UKIP
David Williams, Chairman of UKIP Dorset, confirmed that ” UKIP does support the concept of fracking, as we see it as a vital plank to tackling the coming energy supply crisis, and if we look at the USA example, it gives us a cheaper and more reliable source of fuel, than the expensively subsidised wind farm alternative, that we are currently being forced to swallow. Dorset has benefited economically both with income and employment over the years from the oil which has been extracted and to no detriment to the environment.”
John Baxter of North Dorset UKIP was unaware that licences had been issued but welcomed it as “marvellous news” and felt that “the chance that Dorset may be able to partake in this industry is a chance not to be ignored”.
For more info see www.frackfreedorset.org
