Residents get first opportunity to challenge company proposals to frack Scotland
CAMPAIGNERS who want to stop fracking and unconventional gas extraction in Scotland will meet Ineos, Scotland’s largest pro-fracking company, in the first fracking public meeting tonight [Thursday 16 April].
Ineos – the controversial energy company which owns Grangemouth refinery – has called a series of consultations in areas where fracking for underground energy resources is proposed.
Ineos launched a ‘PR push’ last month and has faced criticism from environmental group after proposing giving communities a cut of fracking profits – if they let the under-fire practice go ahead near their homes.
Fracking, which has been blamed for water pollution, increased carbon emissions, and even earthquakes, has been placed under a ‘moratorium’ by the Scottish Government. This means further research and consultation will take place before a decision on the practice is taken.
Ineos already have licenses to frack Scotland, although the practice could be banned.
The first meeting will take place tonight at Denny high school near Falkirk, before further meetings in Alloa town hall (April 21), Falkirk high school (April 22), Kilsyth academy (April 23), Bishopbriggs academy (April 27) and Greenfaulds high school (April 30).
Last month Friends of the Earth warned that “no amount of PR spin can hide the climate change impact of exploiting shale gas”. (Click here to read more)
Picture courtesy of Public Herald