GWPF Welcomes UK Cabinet Ministers’ Shale Exploration Plans

The Global Warming Policy Forum welcomes the proposal by Cabinet ministers Amber Rudd, Greg Clark and Liz Truss to classify fracking wells as ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP)’ which is clearly in the national interest.

The GWPF, who advocated exactly this policy last May, is calling upon the Government to turn the ministers' proposal into law in order to speed up shale gas exploration in the UK.

This move would give the Secretary of State the final say on planning applications rather than local councils. Renewable energy projects such as offshore wind, tidal power and biomass plants above 50 MW are already treated as NSIPs.

"Shale exploration is clearly in the national interest and the proposal by the Cabinet ministers would certainly enhance Britain’s energy future and security," said GWPF director Benny Peiser.