I am very supportive of renewable energy and reducing our reliance on imports of fossil fuels. I have also previously spoken out about the need to insulate more homes to reach our net zero target cost-effectively.
However, gas will remain part of our energy mix for some decades, particularly when combined with Carbon, Capture & Storage technologies. I always prefer domestic production over imports, particularly given the higher carbon footprints of imported gas. I am supportive, therefore, of increased gas exploration in the North Sea and onshore where it is safe to do so. Even it is shown to be safe, it will be some years before Shale Gas exploration contributes meaningfully to our needs due to the number of well pads and wells required. As I have always said, there needs to be strict limits on development to protect communities and countryside and local people should feel the direct benefits of cash in their pockets to compensate them for the inconvenience they may experience from increased traffic.
I have attached my report from my 2015 visit to Pennsylvania where shale gas exploration has taken place for some time:
https://www.kevinhollinrake.org.uk/sites/www.kevinhollinrake.org.uk/files/pa_sept_15_ii.pdf
Moreover, I worked closely with officers and councillors at North Yorkshire County Council, the North York Moors National Park and City of York Council in compiling the Minerals and Waste Joint Plan, which prevents surface drilling for unconventional gas extraction in ‘protected areas’ (National Parks, AONB’s, Protected Groundwater Source Areas, Scheduled Monuments, Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest). There are also clear protections for the visual impacts on these protected areas, namely 3.5Km buffer zones around these areas.
Separation distances specified also provide for minimum distances from homes, schools and medical establishments, this will provide additional protections from any potential adverse impacts of noise, light pollution, emissions to air or ground and surface water.
I will only support exploration if protections are in place for the landscape and the environment. Should the evidence show otherwise, I will oppose it. I therefore welcome the Government position that development should only take place with appropriate local community consent.
