Though not an outright ban, a new roadblock against fracking has been erected in Northern Ireland, giving new hope to groups pushing for climate-friendly policies across the UK and Europe.
Environmental Minister Mark Durkan on Monday released a Single Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) that will prohibit the controversial shale gas extraction method on the grounds that its climate impact is still not fully known.
“Publishing the SPPS unlocks development potential, supports job creation and will aid economic recovery but not at the expense of our planet, environment and people,” Durkan said. “Significantly for the first time, no to fracking is actually enshrined in policy unless there is sufficient and robust evidence of its safety on all environmental impacts. I believe this is a sensible and reasonable approach.”
The SPPS, which provides guidelines to regional councils on about 20 different policy areas—from infrastructure and planning to community development—implements a “town center first” approach to retail and business development.
Roisin Willmott, Royal Town Planning Institute’s director for Northern Ireland, praised the SPPS and its focus on environment and community building. “This is good news for our members and for Northern Ireland. The much anticipated SPPS will be a catalyst for positive change on the ground,” Willmott said.
The plan was similarly well-received by environmental activists throughout the UK. Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns Mary Church said Monday, “Northern Ireland’s vibrant and diverse anti-fracking campaign will be delighted with the formal adoption of this precautionary approach to fracking…. This presumption against the development of all unconventional fossil fuels is yet another blow to the industry in these islands.”
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