The Pavilion MP has reiterated her calls for a moratorium on fracking for shale gas, in light of increasing fears about the environmental impact of the practice.

Cuadrilla, the energy company behind controversial shale gas operations in Lancashire (1), has received planning permission and regulatory approval to start exploratory drilling for shale gas in Balcombe, near Haywards Heath.

Speaking to the Independent yesterday in light of a US Environmental Protection Agency study which has found links between fracking and groundwater contamination, Caroline said:

"As evidence mounts of the potentially negative effects of shale gas extraction both here and abroad, the need for a thorough and fully independent investigation into the environmental and health impacts of fracking becomes ever more urgent.

"The proposed changes to the UK's planning laws could make it far easier for companies such as Cuadrilla to gain permission for shale gas operations, while at the same time Ministers are failing to address the weaknesses in the regulatory framework which should protect local communities.

"I recently quizzed Defra Secretary Caroline Spelman about the fact that, according to the European Commission, the chemicals used in fracking are not registered for this purpose under the REACH regulation, which could make it illegal.

"Almost one month on, I am still waiting for a response."

She concluded:

"Given these concerns, and the fact that any significant investment in shale gas will seriously undermine the UK's transition towards genuinely clean energy, the Government should halt operations and impose a moratorium on new shale gas exploration - at least until a more detailed and independent assessment is forthcoming."

ENDS

Notes

1) A recent Cuadrilla study found that it was 'highly likely' that its fracking operations were responsible for earth tremors in Lancashire: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-15550458