Scientific evidence....

**IMPORTANT NEWS** and something we think our councillors, MPs and other representatives should be made aware of. This report is an independent assessment which draws heavily on academic research. It highlights:
•Major shortcomings in regulatory oversight regarding local environmental and public health risks.
•The large potential for UK shale gas exploitation to undermine national and international efforts to tackle climate change.
•The water-intensive nature of the fracking process which could cause water shortages in many areas.

QUOTE (abstract): CIEH Chief Executive, Graham Jukes OBE said: "The CIEH has consistently made the case for a full independent environmental impact assessment to be carried out on all shale gas extraction proposals before permission to drill is given. 

"In the enthusiasm to exploit new sources of energy we must assess and ensure that there are no unacceptable adverse impacts on the environment or on the health of people in the communities surrounding extraction sites. Despite central government encouragement for the process, local authorities should resist allowing shale gas extraction in their areas until they are satisfied on that point. We believe that there is currently insufficient evidence to provide such assurance for proposals in the UK and the precautionary principle should apply."

SGR Executive Director and co-author of the report, Dr Stuart Parkinson said: "The evidence we have gathered shows that exploiting yet another new source of fossil fuels – such as UK shale gas – is likely to further undermine efforts to tackle climate change. We need to focus on low carbon energy sources, especially renewables, together with concerted efforts to save energy."

The full report can be found here:
http://www.cieh.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=53520

http://www.cieh.org/media/media3.aspx?id=53552
http://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/shale-gas-and-fracking-examining-evidence