UK chemical industry backs 'balanced' fracking plan

ERJ staff report (PR)

London – Chemical makers have welcomed the opening of the bidding process for companies seeking licenses to explore opportunities for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of onshore oil and gas in the UK.

The decision from Westminster represents a positive step along the way to ensuring secure supplies of energy for British citizens and industry, according to Steve Elliott, chief executive of the Chemical Industries Association.

The move by the UK government includes measures to ensure the responsible exploitation of shale, including a requirement for developers to submit statements of environmental awareness.

“The Government has got the balance right, said Elliott. “Let’s exploit what we can for our country, doing so in an environmentally responsible way. The argument that it has to be economic or environmental is redundant. It can and should be both.”