The minister said that Scotland would take a “cautious, considered and evidence-based approach” in contrast to the proposals of the Westminster-based UK government which he described as a “disgrace”.
“We have put in place robust environmental regulation, tougher planning rules and successfully opposed the UK Government’s plans to end Scottish householders’ rights to object to drilling under their homes,” Ewing said, before adding that Scotland “need to do more”.
The minister has called for a full public consultation on unconventional oil and gas extraction as well as a public health impact assessment.
“It will take time to complete,” he said, adding that it would be “inappropriate” for new licenses to be permitted until the evidence has been gathered and investigated.
The UK onshore oil and gas (UKOOG) group said that it welcomes the public consultation.
“We recognise that the general public have concerns about the issues around fracking and welcome this opportunity to present the facts to the Scottish people,” it said.