Government’s stance on fracking welcomed
MSP ‘delighted’her SNP party has stayed strong
NICOLA FINDLAY
East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani has welcomed the Scottish Government’s committment to stop controvesial fracking.
Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse confirmed in Parliament that the Scottish Government would not license any fracking development.
This position was confirmed following a comprehensive period of evidence-gathering and consultation, including environmental and business assessments.
Previously, the Scottish Government could only use planning powers to prevent fracking and announced a moratorium.
But onshore oil and gas licensing is also now in the hands of Holyrood under the hand-over of greater devolved powers.
And Ms Fabiani said this move will be a welcome boost to the “committed activists” who have lobbied for the controversial practice – which extracts oil and gas from subterranean rock through drilling – to never be introduced in Scotland.
Sites on the edge of East Kilbride in nearby Blantyre had been identified as possible targets for fracking companies.
Ms Fabiani said: “Scotland has been at the forefront of global action to combat climate change – recently stating some of the most ambitious statutory targets in the world.
“I am delighted that the Scottish Government are putting the interests of our communities in East Kilbride first and maintaining
Scotland’s reputation as a global leader on tackling climate change by announcing no support for fracking.
“There has been a long-standing anti-fracking campaign in East Kilbride by committed activists and I know they will be pleased at this announcement.
“This is a message which demonstrates how serious we are about protecting communities in East Kilbride, which ensures that we meet our climate change targets and continue to create an improved, greener and more sustainable country for generations to come.
“Despite considerable public opposition in England, the Tories are intent on fracking underneath people’s homes, without any concern or care for the impact on people’s health, the environment or their communities.
“The re-design of the energy system in Scotland has the potential to bring significant economic and social opportunities to individuals, businesses and communities in East Kilbride.”
But Greens say they are still pushing for a full legal ban on fracking.
East Kilbride Green campaigner, Kirsten Robb, said: “Greens led the first debate against fracking in the Scottish Parliament in 2012 and have supported communities’ fight against this dirty industry for the last seven years.
“We welcome the government’s extension of the fracking moratorium but need to see stronger and faster action to create long lasting jobs in clean, green industries as proposed in our Scottish Green New Deal.”
“We would prefer a full legal ban but welcome the progress that will now see the Scottish Government use planning and licensing powers to stop fracking.”
Tory MSP Graham Simpson was contacted for a comment but was unable to get back to the News before we went to print.