An Isle of Wight MP has written to the government to raise concerns about ExxonMobil’s Solent CO2 pipeline.
In a public statement announced yesterday, Richard Quigley, for IW West, said he had written to the secretary of state for energy security and net zero’s parliamentary private secretary to air his concerns and “understand” the “government’s official position”.
Ed Miliband and Bill Esterson
Ed Miliband MP, the secretary of state for energy security and net zero since 5th July 2024, has overall responsibility for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – a branch of government tasked with the security of the UK’s long-term energy supply, lowering bills and achieving net zero, which means reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions to effectively zero.
Mr Quigley has also “raised the issue” in writing with Bill Esterson MP, the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s newly appointed chair.
The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee provides scrutiny of the policy, spending and management of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as well as public bodies such as Ofgem and the Committee on Climate Change.
Quigley: Considerable public concern and growing opposition
Mr Quigley said,
“There has been considerable public concern and growing opposition to ExxonMobil’s Solent CO2 pipeline proposal.
“As MP for Isle of Wight West, I have already received large volumes of correspondence relating to the matter and continue to receive objections daily.
“I have made my opposition to the proposal clear, and I will continue to oppose the plans.
“The proposed route would see the pipeline run from the refinery at Fawley and cut directly through the Island’s landcape (in Isle of Wight West).
“The proposed route and technology raise significant safety and practical concerns.
“It is also likely to cause long-lasting and potentially irreversible damage to the Island’s lanscape and wildlife.”
Have your say
The initial public consultation period has been extended to 30th September and can be accessed via the official website.
A facebook group for concerned Islanders has been formed. It is called SAY NO to CO2 Pipeline across the IOW.
ExxonMobil: We recognise there are diverse views
A spokesperson for ExxonMobil said,
“We are committed to engaging with local communities and stakeholders, including MPs, to ensure their views are heard as we move forward.
“CCS is a proven and essential technology for reducing emissions, recognised by the UK Government and independent experts as crucial for achieving net zero by 2050.”
Article edit
5.05pm 27th Sep 2024 – IWC comment added
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
