Jenny Jones: Shale gas is not going to solve our problems

12 November 2014

A new report by UK Energy Research Centre analysis of the future of gas in the UK concluded that that there is no evidence “whatsoever” for Minister’s claims that shale gas is going to solve our energy problems or that it will make a substantial difference to energy prices (1).  

Jenny Jones AM has consistently criticised the Mayor of London’s vocal support for fracking (2). The Mayor recently said that shale gas exploration has been “frustrated by NIMBYs” (3) and "If reserves of shale can be exploited in London we should leave no stone unturned, or unfracked, in the cause of keeping the lights on" (4). 

Jenny Jones said: 

“The public are being conned by Ministers and Boris Johnson’s claims that fracked oil and gas will deliver a cheaper and more secure energy future. It is also disgraceful that when legitimate concerns are expressed about ground water contamination and the disruption and pollution of fracking trucks, they are brushed off as NIMBY frustrations.” 

“At a time when current trends mean that we are on course for a catastrophic 4 degree temperature increase, our priority must be switching to renewables such as solar and wind and getting serious about energy conservation. Exploiting even more fossil fuels such as fracked oil or gas that can only accelerate global warming just isn’t an option.” 

Editors Notes 

(1) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30013668. UKERC, is an academic consortium covering 30 institutions, has produced a report on the future of gas in the UK 

(2) https://www.london.gov.uk/media/assembly-member-press-releases/green-party/2014/10/news-from-jenny-jones-am-jenny-jones-warns-mayor-about-risks-of 

(3) http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_277781 

(4) http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jul/02/shale-gas-energy

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