4 HOURS AGO:
http://www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk/news/mps-report-backs-shale-gas-despite-risk-to-expansion-of-renewables-2362.aspx
MPs report backs shale gas despite risk to expansion of renewables
Ann Elise Taylor
24th May 2011
In a move that could endanger the expansion of clean, renewable energies, the Energy Select Committee of MPs released a report yesterday supporting the use of shale gas extraction, or 'fracking?, in the UK.
The report, which calls for onshore and offshore shale gas extraction, could hinder cleaner energies such as wind, marine and solar sources. If the use of the method were to lower gas prices, it could direct investment away from green energies, the report said.
The controversial method of gas extraction has been a point of concern for environmentalists and citizens alike, particularly after YouTube videos from the US showed homeowners setting their tap water afire after the method had been used in their areas.
Recent findings from New York?s Cornell University have also shown that producing shale gas allows a greater amount of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, to escape into the atmosphere than traditional gas extraction.
No danger to air and water quality
However, the report claims that shale gas extraction would not compromise air and water quality, "as long as the integrity of the well is maintained."
"There has been a lot of hot air recently about the dangers of shale gas drilling," chair of the Committee Tim Yeo MP said. "But our inquiry found no evidence to support the main concern ? that UK water supplies would be put at risk."
The British Geological Survey estimates that the UK?s onshore shale gas resources could be as large as 150 billion cubic meters ? approximately 1.5 years worth of total UK gas consumption worth about 28 billion. Offshore supplies, however, could 'dwarf? these.
Additionally, the report predicts that onshore shale gas extraction, or 'fracking,? could serve as a temporary step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally, as it may encourage a switch from coal to gas in developing countries. This switch would halve carbon emissions from some power plants, the report said.
Opposition
Friends of the Earth?s Policy and Campaigns director Craig Bennett didn?t support the committee?s decision to give the green light on shale gas.
"A rush for shale gas makes no sense," Bennett said. "Even this report admits it won?t help us fight climate change fast enough or dramatically improve the UK?s energy security and cut gas prices."
Bennett said despite the report?s findings, shale gas extraction could still be dangerous.
"Although shale gas is a cleaner fuel than coal, many reports show extracting is poses a risk of groundwater pollution," Bennett said. "Instead of seeing shale gas as a miracle fix, the Government should focus on developing the clean, safe energy alternatives at our fingertips like solar power and wind."
Like this story? Please subscribe to our free weekly e-newsletter at the top of the page for more content like this.
Related content:
Green policy
Renewables
Bookmark with: Delicious Digg reddit Facebook StumbleUpon
Related Stories
NEWS
13 April 2011Shale gas emits more greenhouse gases than coal11 May 2011Vestas unveils plans for UK manufacturing plant at Port of Sheerness
FEATURES
08 April 2011Shell's outgoing UK boss has seen oil firm's role shift in a changing climate15 March 2011Energy GreenWire: More businesses becoming energy entrepreneurs
ABOUT USCONTACT USADVERTISINGCONDITIONSPRIVACY
Range Resources could benefit tremendously from this method of Hydraulic shale Fracking,especially their Texas ops...and this report issued by the House of Representatives' First Committee of Energy and Commerce, does suggest that against all opposition from environmentalists.. the green light in the States...is A-OK!
I AM UNABLE TO COPY PASTE THIS LINK ?
http://www.scribd.com/doc/53259585/Hydraulic-Fracturing-Report-4-18-11
Add to My Watchlist
What is My Watchlist?