On 2 November 2019 the Government announced that it was ending support for fracking operations in England, following the publication of new scientific analysis.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) based their decision on the recent report published by the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), which found that the current technology does not allow to accurately predict the probability or magnitude of tremors and earthquakes affecting the area where fracking operations take place. Therefore, such operations will be paused indefinitely, unless and until there is further strong evidence that it can be carried out safely in England.
The Business and Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: "Whilst acknowledging the huge potential of UK shale gas to provide a bridge to a zero carbon future, I've also always been clear that shale gas exploration must be carried out safely. In the UK, we have been led by the best available scientific evidence, and closely regulated by the OGA, one of the best regulators in the world.
"After reviewing OGA's report into recent seismic activity at Preston New Road, it is clear that we cannot rule out future unacceptable impacts on our community.
"For this reason, I have concluded that we should put a moratorium on fracking in England with immediate effect."
The Government also confirmed that it will not be taking forward any proposed planning reforms for shale gas at this time. Any proposals that were previously consulted on in 2018 will not be implemented now.
