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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Connal Hughes, FoES Press Office, 0131 243 2715, chughes@foe.scot

Scottish Government Decision On Fracking This Afternoon

SCOTLAND

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse is due to make an announcement to the Scottish Parliament on the future of the fracking industry this afternoon. Commenting on the forthcoming announcement, Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said:

"Given the strength of feeling against fracking in the country, and the First Minister's well documented skepticism about the industry it's hard to see how the Scottish Government could do anything other than announce an outright ban.

"Fracking is bad for public health, pollutes the environment and damages the climate. As the deadly impacts of climate change become ever clearer and closer, the last thing the Scottish Government should do is open up a new frontier of fossil fuels.

"With communities across Scotland we have been fighting the fracking industry for 6 years, particularly on the frontline of the industry in the central belt. This decision is highly anticipated, and a ban would be met with huge celebration and much relief, particularly by those living in licensed areas.

"We are looking to the Scottish Government to take the strongest stance possible and pass a law banning fracking for good. This will ensure the strongest protection for communities under threat from the industry, and send a clear message that no new frontiers of fossil fuels are acceptable in the context of the climate crisis.

"The opposition to fracking is fierce, and the Scottish Government faces a huge backlash - including from within their own party - if after this lengthy process they do not conclude that the industry should be banned. It is hardly likely that having seen the lengths that communities in England are prepared to go to to defend themselves against this polluting industry the Scottish Government would think that's a risk worth taking.

"We urge the Scottish Government to use Holyrood's extensive powers in this area to pass a law banning fracking for good."

Please Note: Mary Church and Richard Dixon will be available for comment and interviews.

Friends of the Earth fights for a more healthy and just world. Together we speak truth to power and expose those who endanger the health of people and the planet for corporate profit. We organize to build long-term political power and campaign to change the rules of our economic and political systems that create injustice and destroy nature.

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