Discuss - Environment Shale Gas (Fracking) - Increase production of shale gas (fracking)

Should we increase the production of shale gas (fracking) as a viable energy resource?

Alliance Party Alliance Environment spokesperson Anna Lo MLA has said that "We need to wait until proper scientific research is carried out on the fracking process before it is promoted. Given the potential risks to both our health and the local environment, the Government must put a halt to any licences for shale gas extraction until its consequences can be properly examined." http://allianceparty.org/article/2013/008065/lo-says-tax-cuts-for-fracking-is-premature-given-environmental-concerns

DUP The DUP seems to be both for and against fracking, with opposing views in the party. Source: http://fermanaghherald.com/2014/09/dup-councillors-grilled-over-changing-stance-on-fracking/

Green Party Claiming to be the 'only major party fighting to prevent fracking and drilling', the Green Party claim that the process will accelerate climate change, put communities at risk due to dangerous pollutants, and won't reduce energy bills. https://my.greenparty.org.uk/civicrm/petition/sign?sid=3

Labour The Labour Party has confirmed that it supports plans to change the trespass law that will allow shale gas companies to drill under homes without the owner's permission being sought. However, it believes that regulations are not tight enough, and will seek to strengthen the rules covering hydraulic fracturing in the House of Lords. Source: http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/25/labour-regulation-uk-fracking-industry

Liberal Democrat The coalition government has supported 'fracking', introducing an Infrastructure Bill that contains measures to change trespass laws to facilitate shale gas extraction, as well as offering incentives to local communities and tax breaks for the industry. Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg has offically supported fracking at the party conference in 2013.

Plaid Cymru Plaid Cymru announced their opposition to fracking in Wales at the party's annual conference in 2013. The party has since expressed additional concern about the environmental impact of fracking compared to investment in long-term renewable energy production. Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans has called for a moratorium on fracking in Wales and the UK until it can be proven that there is no damage to the environment or health. Source: http://www.partyofwales.org/news/2014/05/17/plaid-cymru-mep-calls-for-fracking-moratorium/

SNP "We are committed to opposing the clauses in the Infrastructure Bill which would introduce a right for those companies involved in fracking to carry out operations under properties without the permission of the landowner. We consider this to be unacceptable and removes property holders rights to hold to object to such operations, limited though they may be at present." Mike Weir, SNP Energy Spokesperson

UKIP UKIP's policy towards fracking is that it could provide the UK with a good source of both energy and revenue. UKIP plan to establish a sovereign wealth fund with the the proceeds from fracking. Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24172645

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