Labour MP calls for probe into fracking
Tom Bawden
Tom Bawden is energy and resources correspondent for The Independent and Evening Standard.
Friday 16 December 2011
Related articles
Tom Greatrex, the shadow Energy Minister, is demanding a full-scale government investigation into the controversial "fracking" technology used to dislodge natural gas trapped in rocks, after a dramatic new report linked the practice to water pollution for the first time.
Mr Greatrex will table a series of questions in parliament today urging the Energy Secretary, Chris Huhne, to step up the Government's probe of hydraulic fracturing after reading the report, by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In his first question, Mr Greatrex will ask: "Further to the article in The Independent on 14 December 2011, what assessment has he made of the report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency into the impact of hydraulic fracturing on water pollution; and if he will make a statement?"
The Labour MP will then ask: "What assessment he has made of the link between hydraulic fracturing and water pollution?"; "what plans he has to investigate the links between hydraulic fracturing and water pollution?" and "when he last met with the UK Environment Agency to discuss the link between hydraulic fracturing and water pollution?".
Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, also called for the Government to step up its investigation.
"If the UK Government has any intention in following through on its pledge to be the 'greenest government ever', it will take serious consideration of the EPA's evidence and take steps to introduce, at least, a moratorium on new shale gas exploration without delay," Ms Lambert said.
The EPA report comes at a crucial time for the Government as it considers whether to allow fracking – a technique in which sand, chemicals and water are blasted into shale rock to release the gas – to become commonplace in the UK.
-
Gay couple beaten in park urge MPs to moderate language on gay marriage
-
Strewth mate. Aussies wave goodbye to Britain as it becomes too pricey to stay
-
World news in pictures
-
X marks the spot: The find that could rewrite Australian history
-
Oklahoma tornado: Frantic search for victims continues, as tales of survival emerge
- 1 'He was lucky he didn't die' - George Michael fell out of speeding car onto M1 motorway, according to eye witness
- 2 Tottenham to smash pay scale with £150,000-a-week contract in attempt to tie Gareth Bale to club
- 3 Austerity has hardened the nation's heart
- 4 Gay couple beaten in park urge MPs to moderate language on gay marriage
- 5 Why Arsène Wenger must spend to put icing on the cake and buy likes of Stevan Jovetic for Arsenal
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
iJobs Money & Business
Operations Analyst
£180 - £230 per day: Orgtel: Operations Analyst - Leading Bank in the City of ...
Finance Business Analyst - Banking - £500pd
£500 per day: Orgtel: A top tier banking client urgently requires Finance Busi...
Senior Finance Project Manager
£425 - £550 per day: Orgtel: Senior Finance Project Manager - £550 - Bristol -...
KYC ANALYST
£150 - £250 per day: Orgtel: KYC Analyst - London - Banking - £150-250/day C...
Day In a Page
The price of pacifism
Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond
Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?
Legend of James Hunt has set Hollywood hearts racing
Macklemore: 'I don't have moderation'



Comments