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We live in such insane times that it seems that nothing needs to make financial sense - with oil at $35 a barrel, on its way to $20.
Fossil Fuel U-Turn: UK Approves Shale Gas Fracking Under National Parks
British MPs have voted to approve the use of fracking to extract shale gas and oil under national parks, only days after the UK came to an agreement with other nations to crack down on emissions and the use of fossil fuels at the Paris climate change convention.
16
December, 2015
Despite
opposition from the Labour party, environmental groups and a
number of Conservative party rebels, MPs voted 298 to 261
in favor of allowing fracking in national parks.
Greenpeace UK
Breaking: MPs have voted in favour of allowing fracking under national parks.
Details to follow soon.
The
decision is also seen as a U-turn on an early law
implemented by the Conservative and Lib Dem coalition
in January, which imposed a ban on fracking in such
areas.
While
energy companies still won't be allowed to frack in national
parks, they will be able to drill horizontally into deposits
situated underneath protected zones, providing equipment is
located outside the boundaries.
The
decision has sparked outrage from environmental campaigners.
"What
we have seen today is the Government breaking its promise and forcing
through regulations which will allow fracking underneath some
of the most fragile and treasured landscapes in Britain.
These areas have been protected for a reason: stunning areas
like the Peak District, the North York Moors and the South
Downs," Hannah Martin, Greenpeace energy campaigner said.
Caroline Lucas
Government successfully sneak through (without debate) change to allow #fracking under protected areas.Real shame 298 MPs voted for it.
'Why
Should the Public Believe Them'
Ms
Martin pointed to the government's slim majority on the
vote to highlight the contentious nature of the issue,
noting that many of Prime Minister David Cameron's own MPs voted
against the bill.
"It's
clear that the Tories can't even convince some of their own MPs
that fracking under national parks and other areas of natural
beauty is a good idea — so why should the public believe
them?"
Among
those was Conservative MP Andrew Turner, who rejected the
government's plans.
"I
voted against the proposals. Although the Government has
listened to concerns raised and made a number of concessions,
I do not believe that they go far enough to protect
environmentally sensitive areas such as areas of outstanding
natural beauty."
UK
Accused of Undermining Paris Deal
The
practice of fracking — which involves drilling into shale
rock and then using a high-pressure mix of water and chemicals
to bring gas and oil to the surface — has been a
highly contentious issue in Britain in the last few years.
Advocates
say that fracking is a safer way to access shale gas and oil,
arguing that it will increase jobs and reduce the UK's energy
dependency on other countries.
Critics,
however, have scoffed at the alleged energy benefits, arguing
that fracking will have a detrimental environmental and health
impact, as well as the communities affected by the
drilling.
"The
UK government has just participated in a historic climate
agreement in Paris, but if it's to hold up its
end of the bargain it has to rethink its support
for fracking and back safe, cheap, clean energy instead,"
Hannah Martin said.
"As
a result of today's vote, these places can now be fracked in all
but name. Whether the fracking infrastructure is set up just
outside the boundaries of national parks is a moot point:
these previously protected areas could be ringed by drilling
rigs, floodlights and compressors — and play host to thousands
of lorry movements — meaning the most precious landscapes
in our country are blighted by noise, air and light
pollution."
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