Nova Scotia fracking ban to remain despite gas potential: premier

HALIFAX — Premier Stephen Mcneil says Nova Scotia has no intention of lifting its ban on hydraulic fracturing despite a new Energy Department analysis that says onshore natural gas resources could be worth billions of dollars.

The Nova Scotia Onshore Petroleum Atlas lists the economic potential at between US$20 billion and US$60 billion.

The analysis says that based on available geological data, the Windsor and Cumberland sub-basins are the areas that hold the most potential for hydrocarbons.

But Mcneil says it’s simply one report that will give Nova Scotians a chance to discuss fracking and onshore gas exploration.

He says barring any new information, the government remains concerned about the potential effects fracking could have on potable water tables given the province’s geology.

The Liberals passed legislation banning fracking in 2014, but have not proclaimed it.