Nicholas Belfitt (Vice-Chair Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats & Chair of IOW Liberal Youth) shares this latest. Ed
The Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats have launched an Island-wide petition to push the council to reject any fracking or oil drilling on or near the Isle of Wight.
The petition was launched as a result of growing concern among Lib Dem activists that drilling companies may use the Island’s financial situation to push permits through more quickly. We argue the council needs to be firm and reject any further planning.
Nicholas Belfitt Vice Chair of the party commented,
“I am not opposed to fracking in principle. I can see some occasions where it could be a positive thing. However, on the Island it would be a disaster.
“We don’t have the capacity to have a drilling plant on the Island or roads to provide it. We are worried that the council won’t look at the big picture and could be ‘bought’ by the new government’s initiative we have already seen deployed in Lancashire.
“This petition is about launching a new long term vision for 2017 and for the Island’s future, one that is positive and strong and has the fortitude to reject projects not in the interest of the Island.”
50 noisy tanker trucks a day
The Lib Dems argue that the while the ecological damage is major concern, the infrastructure of the Island could not accommodate having the amount of traffic needed to move fracked oil off the Island.
The Lib Dems argue that unless residents would accept a large pipeline across the Island, they would have to deal with over 50 noisy trucks a day passing through the Arreton area.
The petition is also aimed to reaffirm the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats position that it does not support fracking on the Island and in 2017 council elections will stand on a platform “No to fracking, yes to better alternatives”.
The Lib Dems hope to work with other non-fracking groups on the Island in the future.
Tidal and offshore wind farms
Nicholas added
“Considering the Isle of Wight has around 70 miles of coastline, it would make sense for as much energy production to take place at sea.
“Tidal and offshore wind farms would mean that the Island could generate green electricity without damaging the Island’s already struggling infrastructure.”
If you want to sign the petition it can be found on the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats Website.
