UKOOG Supports Yorkshire Council's Fracking Approval

The UK Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG) industry body has welcomed North Yorkshire County Council’s decision to approve the hydraulic fracture of Third Energy’s Kirby Misperton well.

"UKOOG welcomes the decision that has been taken…by North Yorkshire County Council, which helps to dispel many of the misleading claims that have been made about this application, as well as the process of hydraulic fracturing more generally,” said Ken Cronin, UKOOG chief executive.

“We look forward to Third Energy being able to conduct a test to see how much gas is under this area of North Yorkshire to power and heat homes and businesses," he added.

Councillors at North Yorkshire County Council voted in favour of the application 7 to 4 on Monday, after two days of hearings.

“This approval…is a huge responsibility. We will have to deliver on our commitment, made to the committee and to the people of Ryedale, to undertake this operation safely and without impacting on the local environment,” said Third Energy’s Chief Executive Rasik Valand yesterday in a company statement.

Third Energy is not expected to conduct shale gas flow tests in the near future however, with FirstEnergy warning that the company still has “conditions from both the planning authority and the Environment Agency to discharge and there are other consents and notifications required prior to receiving final consent from the Secretary of State. Then there is normal commercial and project management work, such as ordering long lead items”.

Following the council’s decision to approve the application, Friends of the Earth has urged communities in Yorkshire to support a people’s declaration against fracking.

“I think it affects all of us. It’s turning back time, it’s industrializing the countryside. It’s walking over everyone’s democratic rights. We just have to keep making our feelings known and backing each other up,” said one East Yorkshire resident opposing the council’s decision.



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