Key climate decisions due within days

  • Read Friends of the Earth’s briefings on the Whitehaven coal mine and the government’s fracking review
  • Government has delayed its Whitehaven decision which was slated to be given by 7 July, but it is still expected within days
  • Spokespeople available for interview on announcement of both decisions

The government is expected to make two key decisions in the coming days that could have a seismic impact on government climate and energy policies.

Ministers are set to decide whether to allow a new coal mine in Cumbria, and respond to a review on shale gas extraction carried out by the British Geological Society, which has now been submitted to government. This could see the moratorium on fracking lifted. A ban which has been in place since 2019 when serious concerns over the safety of hydraulic fracturing emerged following earth tremors affecting a site near Blackpool.

Friends of the Earth campaigner, Jamie Peters, said:

“The government is poised to make two key decisions that will have long term implications on its determination to deal with both the energy crisis and the climate emergency.

“The evidence against a new coal mine is overwhelming. The market for the mine is rapidly disappearing as steel plants move to coal-free production. On top of this UK steel has already replaced Russian coal, while the government’s climate advisor has described the plans as “indefensible”.

“Fracking would blight local communities and do little to boost energy security or bring down soaring bills. It’s little wonder it’s been so unpopular with local people.

“The best answer to the energy crisis is to end our reliance on fossil fuels altogether by investing in the UK’s huge homegrown renewable resources and a nationwide energy efficiency programme. This will bring down soaring prices, boost our energy security and show real international leadership on tackling climate change.”

Friends of the Earth has produced briefings ahead of the decision on both the coal mine and fracking, which can be viewed here: