UK: shale gas exploration to be banned from national parks

The UK’s Government said it is committed to banning fracking in National Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

This is an extension of existing Government commitments. Previously, the government released guidance that confirmed planning permission should be refused in National Parks, the Broads and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated they are in the public interest, stands in the statement of the Department of Energy & Climate Change.

This was revealed as part of the debate of the Infrastructure Bill in the House of Commons.

A Government spokesperson said, “The Government has already built a robust regulatory system for the development of the shale industry in the UK. We are committing to formalise the safeguards, including a new ban on fracking in National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.” 

The spokesperson added that extracting shale gas out of the ground can create a whole new British industry, creating jobs, and make UK less reliant on imports from abroad, but the government stresses the need for a measured approach for this industry.

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