Liz Truss Urged to Relax Fracking Earthquake Rules to Unlock Britain's Gas Reserves

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Liz Truss is expected to lift the ban on fracking as soon as next week, a move that could help Britain become energy independent by 2040. The current rules require drilling to stop if it causes tremors of 0.5 or more on the Richter scale, but experts argue that this limit blocks the ability to fully exploit shale gas reserves. According to the Royal Society, tremors of up to magnitude 2 are not generally felt by people above ground, and fracking is not expected to cause tremors of more than magnitude 3.

Key Takeaways:

  • The current rules on fracking, which require drilling to stop if it causes tremors of 0.5 or more on the Richter scale, are being urged to be relaxed to unlock Britain's gas reserves.
  • The Royal Society states that tremors of up to magnitude 2 are not generally felt by people above ground, and fracking is not expected to cause tremors of more than magnitude 3.
  • The fracking ban in England was implemented in 2019 after new research raised fresh fears over the risk of earthquakes.
  • Liz Truss's plan to lift the fracking ban comes despite the Tory manifesto pledging not to do so unless it was scientifically proven to be safe amid concerns over earthquakes.
  • The Government has been criticized by green groups, with Friends of the Earth stating that the policy is "disruptive, unpopular and will do little to boost energy security or bring down bills."
  • Critics have questioned whether the policy will make a significant difference, as locals could still block fracking wells in their area.
  • Leveling-Up Secretary Simon Clarke confirmed that "consent will lie at the heart of our energy policy - community consent."

Statistics:

  • Britain aims to become energy independent by 2040.
  • The current limit on remors caused by fracking is 0.5 or more on the Richter scale.
  • The Royal Society states that tremors of up to magnitude 2 are not generally felt by people above ground.
  • The fracking ban in England was implemented in 2019.

Sources:

  • Byline: By, Aletha Adu
  • "Liz Truss is being urged to relax the limits on earthquakes caused by fracking to unlock Britain's gas reserves." The Telegraph, 2022.
  • "Prime Minister Liz Truss is set to lift the ban on fracking as soon as next week." The Telegraph, 2022.
  • Royal Society, "Earthquakes and Seismicity".