Fracking Exploration given the go-ahead in South Wales
Lisa Rapado; Wales Green Party candidate for South Wales West and Neath Constituency slams decision to award permission for fracking exploration in South Wales.
" I am very disappointed to learn that Natural Resources Wales have granted UK Methane an Environmental Permit that permits them to commence borehole construction/operation at Foel Fynyddau Forest, Pontrhydyfen."
Local people have been vehemently opposed to this development from the outset and remain resolute in their wish to see their surroundings remain untouched by fracking. They have put forward many varied and compelling arguments as to why this shouldn't happen.
UK Methane now only need approval from the Health & Safety Executive - and the go ahead from UK Department of Energy and Climate Change - in order to commence test drilling for Shale Gas and Coal Bed Methane on the site; ie fracking.
What's particularly disappointing about this decision is that the power to issue licenses and permits to drill in Wales is soon to be devolved to the Welsh Assembly, where its almost certain any such applications will be refused in future.
Lisa Rapado continued;
"The irony is not lost on me in the titles of institutions such as DECC and the Health and Safety Executive that could now be responsible for unleashing something that is neither safe nor healthy and will increase dramatically the effects of climate change when the carbon is released after it is recovered.
Our region is paying a heavy price, the UK government has set about destroying the renewable energy industry in Wales, opened the doors to fracking and hung steelworkers at the Tata plant in Port Talbot out to dry.
We will pay a heavy price for a missed opportunity at renewable energy and be left in an almighty environmental mess after the frackers have fracked off."
Frack Free Wales is organising a protest in Pontrhydyfen this coming Saturday (23rd), commencing at 9.30 am at the entrance to the forest track under the viaduct on the B4286 in Pontrhydyfen.