CALL FOR ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE AT LANCS FRACKING INQUIRY

For immediate release: Friday 26 February

Lancashire residents and supporters of Renewable Energy Alliance Lancashire gathered at the public inquiry on fracking in Blackpool today (26 February) ahead of an evidence session on climate change. The group highlighted the harmful effect of fracking and shale gas on the climate and called for a greater ambition in renewable energy and green jobs.

kevin-andersonProfessor Kevin Anderson of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change at Manchester University gave evidence on the climate change aspects of Cuadrilla’s appeal to frack at two sites in the Fylde. Professor Anderson gave evidence that extracting shale gas in the UK is not compatible with the UK’s ‘carbon budgets’ and the Government’s international commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Ian Roberts, spokesperson for Renewable Energy Alliance Lancashire said:

“Lancashire has a wealth of clean renewable energy sources that we should be harvesting, making a positive impact on our climate, energy security and jobs.

“As the fracking inquiry has heard, fracking is not a safe option for climate or communities. We’re calling for a focus on the clean energy solutions which will power our homes and economy for generations to come.”

Dave Daly from Hyndburn Friends of the Earth said:

“Climate experts warn that shale gas and tackling climate change are incompatible. Any investor would be reckless to go anywhere near fracking – far better to invest in a million climate jobs, including renewable energy production, than fossil fuels of the past.”

The inquiry, which is hearing an appeal by Cuadrilla against Lancashire County Council’s refusal of fracking at Roseacre and Preston New Road in the Fylde, is scheduled to last a further two weeks.

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