Fracking licences to be granted by government / Beauty spots still at fracking ‘risk’, say campaigners

The United Kingdom government opened on the 24 July 2014 the bidding process for companies seeking licences to explore for onshore oil and gas.

Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock published details of how companies can apply for licences which will enable them to start initial exploration for shale gas.

The licences would provide the first step to starting drilling – but did not give absolute agreement to drill. On top of a licence, any further drilling application would then require planning permission, as well as permits from the Environment Agency and sign-off from the Health and Safety Executive.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: UK looks to boost fracking with new land access rules http://www.europeansources.info/record/uk-looks-to-boost-fracking-with-new-land-access-rules/

UK: GOV.UK: Department of Energy and Climate Change: Press Release, 24.07.14: New onshore licensing round opens https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-onshore-licensing-round-opens

The Guardian, 28.07.14: Fracking push gets go-ahead across UK as ministers tighten safeguards http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jul/28/fracking-expansion-uk-drilling-national-parks-safeguards

Website: United kingdom Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG) http://www.ukoog.org.uk/

Greenpeace UK: Fracking http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/climate/fracking

National Trust: What we do: Big Issues: Energy and Environment: Our view on fracking http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1355806169828/

Svenska Dagbladet, 29.07.14: Fracking makes Europe more free (via Euro|Topics) http://www.eurotopics.net/en/home/presseschau/archiv/aehnliche/archiv_article/ARTICLE147576-Fracking-makes-Europe-more-free

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