Wales Says Frack Off As It Votes For Moratorium

Wales looks set to join Scotland in having a freeze on ‘fracking’ with a debate and vote taking place this afternoon.

A motion tabled by the Plaid Cymru today has won the support of the National Assembly, pledging that it does everything in its power to prevent fracking from taking place in Wales until it is proven to be safe in both an environmental and public health context.

AM’s voted for the Plaid Cymru motion opposing fracking in Wales by 37 votes to 16.

The final powers over fracking still lie with the Westminster Parliment, however there have been calls for them to be devolved, and could be included in a tranche of powers to be discussed in the coming months.

Voted with @WelshLabour Gov to oppose #fracking in Wales because of safety, health & environmental fears. Won.

— Ken Skates AM (@KenSkatesAM) February 4, 2015

The Party of Wales Shadow Minister for Sustainable Communities, Energy and Food Llyr Gruffydd said: “Plaid Cymru has been a lone voice in our opposition to fracking in the Assembly for many years. Today’s vote is an unequivocal statement that Wales does not want fracking.

“It is right that we protect our communities from the potential dangers posed by unproven methods of extracting shale gas from underneath the ground. There has been a growing consensus around Plaid Cymru’s opinion, and I’m glad that the National Assembly has today confirmed its opposition.

Friends of The Earth have issued a statement responding to the news that the Welsh Government will introduce a moratorium on fracking in the country with Friends of the Earth’s Energy Campaigner Donna Hume saying:

“The Westminster Government needs to catch up with Scotland, Wales and many other areas of the world and bring in a moratorium on controversial fracking.

“Fracking is bad for the climate and involves serious risks for health and the local environment.

“Fracking in the UK is looking increasingly like a lame duck. It’s time the Government stopped trying to get this damaging and unpopular industry off the ground and started prioritising energy efficiency and renewable energy.”

Wales now joins Caia in becoming ‘frack free’, as the latter declared their status earlier this month.

Pic: One of many anti-fracking protest camps that have been occupied in the local area.