Following the decision by North Yorkshire County Council to approve the shale gas application at Kirby Misperton, I believe that we must now focus on making sure that the work is carried out safely and sympathetically to the countryside and the daily lives of local residents. Our precious environment must be protected and rigorous monitoring of any effects on water and air quality has to be a priority. Regulations must be overseen in a proactive and robust manner and companies must be held accountable.
These things are part of the work programme of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Shale Gas Regulation and Planning. I have chaired several meetings already in which experts from various fields have given evidence and information on subjects including regulation and environmental impact. The next meeting will take place on 7th June in Westminster. This will focus on planning, looking at the impact on the visual landscape and managing traffic, noise and light pollution. I feel that the APPG is an important forum to ensure fracking is done correctly and reviewed at every step.
Already there has been baseline monitoring of air quality, water quality and seismic activity. This will obviously continue so that experts can be alerted to any changes. The British Geological Survey and the Natural Environment Research Council are involved in this work and the APPG will be keeping up with the latest developments. I have always stated that if exploration works cannot be carried out within exceed acceptable environmental standards then I will call for a moratorium. This countryside is part of our heritage that we must preserve it for future generations to enjoy, whilst also providing for their energy and economic needs.