The ban on fracking will be lifted by the Government as it seeks to bolster UK energy security. The decision, which applies to England only, means the controversial method of extracting gas and oil from under the ground will once more be legal.
What is fracking?
Fracking is a process where water, sand and chemicals are blasted deep underground to release the oil or gas trapped within the rocks. Opponents say it is bad for the environment and known to cause seismic shocks.
However, others argue that it has steadily increased oil and natural gas production in the US. As a result, it has lowered energy prices, improved air quality and boosted the country's energy security.
Why will fracking be allowed again?
Business and energy secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “In light of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and weaponisation of energy, strengthening our energy security is an absolute priority, and – as the prime minister said – we are going to ensure the UK is a net energy exporter by 2040. To get there we will need to explore all avenues available to us through solar, wind, oil and gas production – so it’s right that we’ve lifted the pause to realise any potential sources of domestic gas.”
It may take a while before fracking begins again – the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said future applications will be considered “where there is local support”. Developers will need to licences, permissions and consents in place before they can start fracking.
The Government argues that allowing fracking will mean more data can be collected on its safety and effects on the environment. A BEIS statement said: “It is clear that we need more sites drilled in order to gather better data and improve the evidence base, and we are aware that some developers are keen to assist with this process.”
It added: “Lifting the pause on shale gas extraction will enable drilling to gather this further data, building an understanding of UK shale gas resources and how we can safely carry out shale gas extraction in the UK where there is local support.”
What else is happening with fossil fuels?
The Government has also announced a new oil and gas licensing round, expected to be launched by the North Sea Transition Authority in early October. This is expected to lead to more than 100 new licences being granted to search for oil and gas in the North Sea.
Labour's reaction
Shadow climate secretary Ed Miliband said: “Fracking is a dangerous fantasy – it would do nothing to cut energy bills, costs more than renewables, and is unsafe. The Tories have broken another promise because they are more interested in standing up for the fossil fuel lobby than the British people.”
Friends of the Earth reaction
Friends of the Earth campaigner Danny Gross said fracking was the most unpopular and least effective way of generating energy in the UK, was opposed by communities wherever it was tried, and any attempt to water down the rules that safeguarded against the process would “only fuel its unpopularity”.
“If Liz Truss wants to build a strong economy for the future, she should champion home insulation and the UK’s plentiful renewable resources. They are cheap, quick to develop and are popular with the public,” he said.
