Lisa from Frack Free Isle of Wight shares this latest release following yesterday’s planning decision in Yorkshire. Ed
Many of you will have already heard the disappointing news, that yesterday, North Yorkshire County Council have granted planning permission for Third Energy to frack their existing well at Kirby Misperton. This was despite the council receiving well over 4,000 objections to the application, with only 36 (less than 1%) in favour.
The application was no doubt helped by the fact that this well was already in place having been previously drilled as a conventional well. A fact which cannot be emphasised enough to anyone who is reassured by a company stating they are only going for conventional reserves.
Fracking not the only concern
As a group, Frack Free Isle of Wight are opposed to any new oil or gas drilling projects as fracking is not the only thing we are concerned about, there are risks to health and environment from all fossil fuel exploitation.
It is already widely recognised that to avoid reaching the tipping point of catastrophic climate change at least two thirds of already proven fossil fuels need to stay in the ground, however we do realise that not everyone shares these concerns, with some thinking ‘conventional isn’t as bad as fracking’.
We therefore need to point out that UKOG, the company who has been awarded the Isle of Wight licence, have always gone to great lengths to portray themselves as only being interested in conventional, but this could prove to be a red herring if this is taken at face value.
UKOG: Potential for fracking
David Lenigas, the man behind UKOG, still heavily involved with the company and a considerable shareholder, has more than hinted at the potential for fracking on the Isle of Wight and Horse Hill.
His tweet below is an example of that. (SS is Stephen Sanderson, whom David Lenigas appointed as his replacement when he stepped aside as UKOG CEO, one of the reasons being he wanted a British man to front the company)
Be aware of the possibilities
We are given lots of mixed messages, so let’s give them the benefit of the doubt and assume UKOG have no intention of fracking at this precise moment in time. They could however get production underway then sell on to a company who will frack, or they could quite simply change their minds, so please be aware of these very real possibilities.
Once a well is in place how likely would it be that further planning permission for fracking could be refused on grounds of visual impact, noise etc? Planning committees are restricted on the actions they can take, needing to consider an application as it stands before them with no consideration given to what it may lead to in the future. As individuals we are not bound by such restrictions and can use common sense.
Finite resource: Use existing supplies wisely
There is no denying that we have become dependent on fossil fuels, and will still need them for some time, however we need to commit to using existing supplies wisely whilst there are ample resources to enable a comfortable transition to sustainable alternatives.
Even climate change sceptics must surely recognise that fossil fuels are a finite resource, taking millions of years to form but mere decades to consume, so whoever is right, sooner or later something has to give.
We firmly believe we should be embracing the opportunity to evolve now for the benefit of all, rather than locking ourselves into further fuel dependency for the vested interests of a few and leaving it for future generations to deal with when it may by then be too late.
Next meeting
Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday 25th May, at Newchurch Community Centre, Newchurch School, School Close, Sandown PO36 0NL.
Doors open 6.30 ready for presentation 7pm followed by Q&As. Friendly & Informal, refreshments available, all welcome.
Find out more on the Frack Free Isle of Wight Facebook Page.
