No new fracking licenses to be granted in Scotland says minister
No licences or planning permissions will be granted for the controversial practice of fracking as it is not compatible with dealing with the climate emergency, the Scottish Government confirmed today.
After months of delay, the government confirmed its "final policy position" and fracking will receive no support, although energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said an outright ban was "not necessary at this time".
Two years ago Mr Wheelhouse announced an "effective ban" on fracking in Scotland, but judges found this had no legal force after a court challenge was brought by petrochemical giant Ineos.
Today in the Scottish Parliament he said the government had come to its final position after "a comprehensive period of evidence-gathering and consultation". As a result the Scottish Government will not issue licences for new unconventional oil and gas (UOG) extraction techniques and that Scotland’s planning framework would also not support fracking.
“That decision followed consideration of many factors including the significant negative effects that UOG development could have on our natural environment and the health and wellbeing of communities, while bearing in mind the overwhelming feedback from the public that this should not be permitted in Scotland.
“After a comprehensive evidence-gathering exercise, we have concluded that the development of onshore unconventional oil and gas is incompatible with our policies on climate change, energy transition and the decarbonisation of our economy.
He told MSPs the finalise