Labour seeks fracking ban near aquifers

Labour is seeking to ban fracking from taking place on land close to drinking water aquifers.

The opposition has tabled an amendment to the Infrasctructure Bill which would prohibit shale gas extraction in groundwater protection zones. This is due to be debated in the House of Commons on Tuesday (13 January).

Shadow energy minister Tom Greatrex said: “Shale gas extraction can only go ahead if we have a system of robust regulation and comprehensive inspection.

“Despite clear flaws in the existing framework, David Cameron’s government have repeatedly side-lined genuine and legitimate environmental concern and seem prepared to accept shale gas at any cost.”

He added that the “Tory government simply doesn’t want to listen to public concern”.

Other amendments tabled by Labour would require shale gas operators to individually identify residents of activity rather than publishing a generic notice, and for the government to pass additional regulations governing the payment of community benefit.

These proposed amendments follow 11 amendments to the Infrastructure Bill, which were tabled in December and will also be debated on Tuesday, seeking to “tighten regulations on shale gas” and to make all the water companies statutory consultees in the planning process.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc) has said that “shale exploitation must be done in a safe and environmentally sound way”.

A spokesperson said: “Robust regulations are already in place to ensure on-site safety, prevent water contamination and mitigate seismic activity and air pollution.”