Shale Gas exploration, is it right for the UK, right now, and right for the constituency I represent, Thirsk and Malton?
The benefits of Shale Gas exploration are clear; greater energy independence and security at a time of significant international uncertainty is a compelling proposition, as is the prospect of a prosperous new industry that can provide jobs, new business opportunities and direct financial benefit to local communities. The economy is very important, but there is no economic benefit, vested interest or party political pressure that could ever lead me to support something that I believe would have a detrimental effect on our countryside or the health of local residents.
Over the last 10 months, I have personally met with parties on all sides of the fracking argument in an attempt to get a clearer understanding of the issues.
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Shale gas exploitation will produce harmful greenhouses gases. The natural gas produced is a fossil fuel and many object to its production as, when burnt, it produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Instead, some say we should focus on renewables such as wind farms, solar and producing energy from household waste. Most reasonable observers would accept, however, that we are a long way from the position that green energy can solve all our needs.
On Saturday morning, I visited the village of Kirby Misperton in my constituency, where an application to drill for shale gas has recently been submitted. Of around fifty members in attendance, forty-four were against fracking and six had an open mind. None were in favour.
Concerns mainly centre on:
1. The potential for contamination of water supplies and air pollution, during production and after the producer has made their money and left
2. The spoiling of countryside by drilling rigs, noise and light pollution and lorry movements
and
3. Who cleans up, who pays up, if things go wrong
We only have one chance, we need to get it right and be seen to get it right.
I would certainly like to see a clearer, more robust and independent regime of monitoring the regulations. The Environment Agency is already stretched and cannot be reasonably expected to carry out truly independent checks on the producer’s operations and any consequential effects on the environment.
The IEA 2012 report on unconventional gas exploration includes in its golden rules “Recognise the case for independent evaluation and verification of environmental performance”
Adverse effects on the countryside are a major concern and I would be first in a long line of local residents who would fight tooth and nail to prevent any attempt to produce shale gas in in my area on an industrial scale. Traditionally the fracking process involves a high number of lorry movements and unsightly infrastructure that could be a real blot on the landscape. NYCC, who would handle any application, will need to take into account the impact on other parts of the economy, particularly tourism, and the suitability of our roads to handle additional traffic. The beauty of our countryside is North Yorkshire’s main asset and we must protect this at all costs.