The Church of England has said that any development of shale gas reserves in the UK must not distract or delay efforts to expand low-carbon renewable energy or other efforts to meet the nation's long-term 2050 carbon reduction targets.
In a briefing paper on shale gas and fracking, the church said the key to whether hydraulic fracturing of unconventional gas reserves is an acceptable practice turns on three points: the place of shale gas within a transitional energy policy committed to a low-carbon economy; the adequacy and robustness of the regulatory regime under which it is conducted; and the robustness of local planning and decision-making processes.
The study accepts that a robust planning and regulatory regime is possible, but says more research and continued monitoring of any impact on health and the environment must be central to the governance of the industry.
It urges protections and compensation to be put in place for local communities affected by shale developments.
Click here to read a feature on the role of environmental practitioners in the shale industry.
