Thoughts on the "Truth about Fracking"

Brenda Pollack

20 September 2013

I watched ITV's "The Truth about fracking" last night.

It was a fairly balanced programme, giving the case for and against. For example they pointed out that the oil and gas industry says it has been fracking for years in the UK, but nowadays its a different kettle of fish. Hydraulic fracturing now involves drilling deeper and using more chemicals and water to crack the rocks open than has happened before.
 
I was moved by the plight of some people in rural Pennsylvania, dealing with what seems to be undrinkable water and concerns about air quality. Whilst locally-felt impacts from fracking are important, a key issue the programme glossed over was the fact that gas and oil are fossil fuels. They release carbon dioxide when burned and the scientific community agrees we need to leave most of the fossil fuels left in the ground right there if we want to avoid making climate change much worse.
 
Government ministers believe that gas from fracking will act as a "bridging" fuel - helping to keep dirty emissions down until nuclear and renewable energy power can close the gap from coal power stations closing down.

But here's the thing: while we have a government blowing kisses at the oil and gas industry - relaxing planning laws and handing out tax breaks - renewable energy companies are getting mixed signals, which is bad for investor confidence. And we're not doing anywhere near enough on cutting energy waste - the other vital part of the solution.
 
Meanwhile more companies are coming out of the closet in Greater Manchester, West Sussex and Kent. But at the same time, community resistance is growing. As well as the official permits needed by companies like Cuadrilla, IGas and Coastal Oil & Gas, they also need a "social licence" to operate. Friends of the Earth will continue to support communities who don't want drilling on their doorstep. Find out more about fracking and how you can help.

Brenda Pollack, South East England Campaigner