Fracking could hit house prices, worsen traffic congestion, affect water quality, and may even end up increasing carbon emissions, according to a previously redacted report published in full.
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs has released its study into the impacts of fracking today, following a year-long transparency campaign by Greenpeace, which culminated in a ruling by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
As well as raising red flags about fracking’s negative impacts, the report also questions some of the key arguments about job creation and economic benefits put forward by ministers and the fracking industry.
Commenting on the evidence gathered in the report, Greenpeace UK energy and climate campaigner Daisy Sands said, “This report gives the lie to the shale lobby and ministers’ claim that there’s no evidence of negative impacts for fracking whilst questioning many of the arguments made in favour of it. It’s a complete vindication of Lancashire County Council’s decision to reject Cuadrilla’s bid to frack in their region, and provides other councils with compelling reasons to do the same.”
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