Smart Business Minister! UK Frac ban stays: “The only way it can be resumed is by compelling evidence which so far is not forthcoming.”

Business minister Kwasi Kwarteng has said fracking “for the time being is over” in the UK. by Tim Gavell, Jan 21, 2020, The Blackpool Gazette

In November, amid the general election campaign, the Government called a halt to fracking after research from the Oil and Gas Authority which raised concerns over the ability to predict fracking-linked earthquakes.

In August, fracking by Cuadrilla led to an earthquake measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale, which rattled doors and windows, and several other tremors have been recorded at sites across the country. Environmentalists say it can cause air and water pollution, while supporters say it could be a source of gas for years to come.

Newly elected Tory MP Alexander Stafford asked if the minister would agree with his constituents in his Rother Valley seat in South Yorkshire that “the best way to tackle climate change is to make the moratorium on fracking permanent”.

Responding for the Government during business questions, Mr Kwarteng said: “Yes, absolutely. What I would like to say about fracking is the moratorium is what it says.

“We’re stopping it. The only way it can be resumed is by compelling evidence which so far is not forthcoming.

“So the moratorium stays and fracking, for the time being, is over.” …

Fracking is over for the time being, says business minister by Reporter, 21/01/2020, energyvoice.com

Business minister Kwasi Kwarteng has said fracking “for the time being is over” in the UK.

In November, during the general election campaign, the Government called a halt to fracking following research from the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) which raised concerns over the ability to predict fracking-linked earthquakes.

In August, fracking by Cuadrilla led to an earthquake in Lancashire measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale, which rattled doors and windows, and several other tremors have been recorded at sites across the country.

Newly elected Tory MP Alexander Stafford asked if the minister would agree with his constituents in his Rother Valley seat in South Yorkshire that “the best way to tackle climate change is to make the moratorium on fracking permanent”.

Responding for the Government during business questions, Mr Kwarteng said: “Yes, absolutely,” adding: “What I would like to say about fracking is the moratorium is what it says.

“We’re stopping it. The only way it can be resumed is by compelling evidence which so far is not forthcoming.

“So the moratorium stays and fracking, for the time being, is over.”

Refer also to:

Scared of UK’s frac ban? USA Senator Pat Toomey introduces a bill to ban a president from banning frac’ing.

Magnificent article by Andrew Nikiforuk: UK Ban Adds to the Tremors Taking Down the Fracking Industry

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