Campaigners have condemned the government’s “shocking” decision to resume fracking in Lancashire, saying it shows the UK is not serious about avoiding climate breakdown. Energy firm Cuadrilla has resumed hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – operations on its second horizontal well at Preston New Road, which it said will be completed by the end of November. Flows of gas from the well will then be tested, with results expected in early 2020, the company said. The move comes just days after a study by Cornell University found fracking has “dramatically increased” global methane emissions. Labour MP Rebecca Long-Bailey tweeted: “This week a study found that fracking has caused a spike in methane – a powerful greenhouse gas – in the atmosphere. Today, our government considers relaxing earthquake rules to make fracking easier.”
Independent 16th Aug 2019 read more »