Letter sent to all Yorkshire and Humber MEPs on Fracking

Dear Yorkshire and Humber MEP,

Amendment 27 on 2030 Framework for climate and energy targets

On the debate regarding the 2030 framework for climate and energy targets please could you support (Amendment n°27) directly related to shale gas which states

“On the basis of the precautionary principle and taking into account the risks and the negative climate, environmental and health impacts involved in unconventional hydrocarbon exploration and extraction (e.g. of shale gas), and the gaps identified in the EU regulatory regime for such activities which the Commission has yielded to pressure not to regulate on, urges local and regional authorities not to authorise any unconventional hydrocarbon exploration or extraction operations in the EU, and urges Member States to refrain from preventing such decisions”

This is consistent with the motion approved at Kirklees Council in January which stated:-

Motion submitted in Accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14 as to Fracking
	To consider the following Motion in the names of Councillors Cooper and Stewart-Turner. 'That this Council: (a) Notes the enthusiasm of the Coalition Government for developing hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the UK; (b) Notes the recent mass protests against shale gas drilling in both Lancashire and West Sussex; (c) Notes the controversy about both the supposed benefits of extracting on-shore gas resources and the local environmental impacts; (d) Notes the recent evidence that 60-80% of world fossil fuel reserves need to be left in the ground if average global temperature rise is to remain within 2 degrees; (e) Believes that there is also compelling evidence that UK shale gas and coal bed methane would form part of that 60-80%; (f) Notes that the large amounts of water needed for hydraulic fracturing to extract shale gas (known as fracking) would reduce water supplies in this region, which are also threatened by the impact of climate change; (g) Notes the well-documented risk of groundwater contamination as a result of fracking, which would exacerbate the pressure on water supplies and put residents at risk; (h) Notes the unavoidable increase in noise, visual intrusion and air pollution from heavy traffic in communities close to fracking sites; (i) Therefore calls on Kirklees Council to develop a Council policy on shale gas and coal bed methane extraction; (j) Will seek to attract to Kirklees appropriate funding for projects which increase energy efficiency, sustainability and self-sufficiency, stabilise energy bills, and create jobs in the green economy; and (k) Directs officers to send a copy of this motion to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and the Minister of State for the Department for Energy and Climate Change.'
	Decision:	Motion carried.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Andrew Cooper