JENNY GILRUTH MSP WELCOMES SURRENDERING OF UCG LICENSES IN FIFE
Published date : 26 Apr 2017
Mid Fife & Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth has welcomed the news that licenses for unconventional coal gasification (UCG) in the Firth of Forth have been surrendered.
Plans by Cluff Natural Resources to burn underground coalbeds for shale gas were stalled following the Scottish Government’s moratorium on UCG in 2015. In October 2016, the Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s position that it would not support UCG developments in Scotland.
The nine licenses held by Cluff Natural Resources for UCG have now been surrendered.
Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP said:
“Given the world-leading progress Scotland is making in pioneering renewable energy technologies, and given the huge concerns of the public and campaigners over the impact of UCG on our environment, I don’t believe the case for UCG has been made.
“Until we have substantial evidence that proves fracking and UCG are safe, then we must take precautions to protect our environment and public health, so I welcome the surrender of these licenses.
“The SNP will not allow fracking or underground coal gasification in Scotland unless it can be proven beyond doubt that it will not harm our environment, communities or public health. I fully support the Scottish Government’s moratorium on UCG and look toward a safe and sustainable energy future for Scotland.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information, please refer to this article from The Courier (25th April 2017):
CONTACT DETAILS
Gavin Hugh
Researcher for Jenny Gilruth MSP
E-mail: Gavin.Hugh@parliament.scot
Phone: 01592 764815
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