The campaign against ExxonMobil’s Solent CO2 Pipeline is “out of the starting blocks” after a Brighstone meeting yesterday evening.
Hosted by Councillor Claire Critchison for Chale, Niton and Shorwell, Councillor Nick Stuart and the starter of the petition opposing the pipeline, Christopher Davis, the meeting at St Mary’s Church nominated IW Call to Action’s steering committee.
Setting the campaign’s “strategic direction”
The committee will set the campaign’s “strategic direction” and help “raise awareness” of what is at stake in contrast to ExxonMobil’s “PR campaign”, according to Councillor Stuart.
Committee nominees were decided on the basis of who was at the meeting yesterday and whether they have “something to offer”, he said.
Christopher Davis was elected as chairman due to his lack of political partisanship, Councillor Stuart added.
A “cross-party” initiative
The representative for Brighstone Calbourne and Shalfleet on the Isle of Wight council was keen to emphasis IW Call to Action is a “cross-party” initiative.
ExxonMobil has decided to extend its consultation on the pipeline, which it is holding with “local communities” and “stakeholders”, until 6pm on 30th September 2024.
Stuart: Feeling “Pretty optimistic”
Responding to how he felt about the campaign following the meeting, Councillor Stuart said,
“Pretty optimistic really – there were a lot of discussions and arguments about the approach and how we go forward – there was quite a long meeting in that sense and we made sure everybody had their say.”
Larner: We are finally out of the starting blocks
Paul Larner, another attendee, said,
“Having attended the initial CO2 Pipeline opposition, steering group meeting, I can say with confidence that we are finally out of the starting blocks.
“The steering committee will be meeting next week to determine the direction and priorities for the campaign.
“Part of this process will require Government receiving large scale objection from residents and businesses across the Island.
“The steering committee will give clear direction regarding how to effectively raise valid objections with your local MP and also direct to the Secretary of State.”
ExxonMobil: We recognise that there is a range of views on the project
ExxonMobil has previously said,
“As part of our commitment to following the Development Consent Order (DCO) process as set out by the UK Government, we are currently inviting local communities and stakeholders – via our consultation – to help us shape this project, particularly in choosing the pipeline’s path.
“We recognise that there is a range of views on the project, but if we are to ensure the UK continues to have the vital heating, transport fuels, and products that people rely on every day, while at the same time lowering emissions, it is recognised by the UK Government and independent experts alike that CCS technology will play a critical role.
“Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a proven technology that has seen underground pipelines safely deployed around the world for more than fifty years, with ExxonMobil itself operating hundreds of miles of pipeline.”
The corporation has been approached for further comment.
Have your say
You can find out more about the Solent CO2 Pipeline project by visiting the website.
You can provide feedback via the project website. Alternatively, have your say by email: [email protected]
Or send by post to: Solent CO2 Pipeline Project, 1180 Eskdale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, RG41 5TU | UK
The deadline is 6pm on Monday 30th September 2024.
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
