Liberal Democrats seek Council agreement to say no to fracking in York
In a motion to Full Council on the 20th October, the Liberal Democrats will seek cross-party councillor backing to, on behalf of all residents, send a clear message to the Government that York is opposed to fracking. This is particularly crucial in the light of the Government’s statement that it will only progress with fracking where there is local support.
INEOS, British multinational chemicals company, holds Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences (PEDL) for areas in and around York and Ryedale. Companies such as INEOS and Cuadrilla could seek permission to frack in areas where they hold PEDL licences.
Earlier this February, after more than 7 years of work, councillors approved the Minerals and Waste Joint Plan which introduced controls on fracking in York and North Yorkshire if the government lifted the moratorium. The plan will be used to decide planning applications until 2030, with minimum distances between homes and well pads and for greater controls around protected areas.
Local Lib Dem Councillor Tony Fisher, who will be proposing the motion, commented:
“There is huge concern amongst local residents about this latest effort by the Government to accelerate fracking in our region and the impact this decision could have on our environment and communities. We have worked hard over the last few years to ensure as much local protection is in place to not allow fracking to take place in York.
“However, the Prime Minister’s announcement that drilling will take place ‘where there is local support’ is nothing more than smoke and mirrors – we have previously seen attempts by Conservative Government to undermine local community power to stop fracking applications. With land equivalent to 220,000 football pitches locally at risk, the Liberal Democrats are taking the issue on behalf of residents to Full Council seeking to send a clear message to the PM and Ministers that York categorically opposes fracking.
“Fracking poses unacceptable risks to people, the climate and the environment, bringing with it the potential threat of earthquakes, water pollution, and green spaces transforming into industrial landscapes. Fracking is also not the solution to the energy crisis.
“I hope all councillors will join in standing with the countless communities across the city and our region, who categorically oppose fracking and the damage it would inflict on our environment.”