[SGRupdate] New report from SGR on shale gas and fracking

[Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR)]

* Shale gas and fracking, examining the evidence

Media release, 21 July 2014

Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) and the Chartered Institute of
Environmental Health (CIEH) have today published a report which reviews
current evidence across a number of issues associated with shale gas
extraction by hydraulic fracturing (fracking). These include environmental and
public health aspects and socio-economic considerations.

Importantly, the 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.

- the complete lack of evidence behind claims that shale gas exploitation will
bring down UK energy bills, and concerns that it will impact negatively on UK
energy security.

The report also points out that, despite claims to the contrary, evidence of
local environmental contamination from shale gas exploitation is well-reported
in the scientific literature. However, extrapolation from the experience in
the USA (where most fracking has been carried out to date) to the UK is not
straightforward. Nevertheless, there is widespread concern that, even with
strong regulation, the safety of fracking for the UK is in doubt.

Furthermore, the report highlights that local authorities and other regulators
have undergone budget cuts, undermining their ability to provide adequate
regulatory oversight. Yet paradoxically regulation is being presented as the
way in which the process can be effectively managed to reduce the risks.

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."

Notes:

- 'Shale gas and fracking: examining the evidence' can be downloaded from
http://www.sgr.org.uk/pages/shale-gas-and-fracking-examining-evidence

- It is authored by Gwen Harrison, Stuart Parkinson and Gary McFarlane.

- Media inquiries: 07941 953640 or 01524 812073

About Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR):

- SGR is an independent UK membership organisation of over 900 natural
scientists, social scientists, engineers, IT professionals and architects. It
promotes science, design and technology which contribute to peace, social
justice and environmental sustainability

- SGR carries out research, education and campaign work focused on a range of
issues, including climate change, sustainable energy, security and
disarmament, and who controls science and technology

- For more information, see www.sgr.org.uk

About the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH):

- The CIEH is the professional voice for environmental health practitioners
representing over 10,000 members working in the public, private and non-profit
sectors. CIEH ensures the highest standards of professional competence in its
members, in the belief that through environmental health action people's
health can be improved.

- Environmental health practitioners working in local government are
responsible, for assessing public health and environmental health risks to
communities and individuals and ensuring environmental protection is
maintained

- For more information visit www.cieh.org

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