Fracking: Green Film Turns Up Heat Over Imminent Ban Decision
A short film has been launched by the Scottish Greens in their long-running campaign against fracking, ahead of an imminent decision by the Scottish Government on whether or not to allow the dangerous and unnecessary gas drilling process.
Green MSP Alison Johnstone first proposed a ban on unconventional oil and gas extraction in 2014, bringing it to a vote in the Holyrood chamber but all other parties voted against it.
Since then, the Greens have successfully:
- Pressed for devolution of the power to award fracking licences
- Pressed for underground coal gasification to be included in the temporary moratorium
- Welcomed the shift in position from Labour and the Lib Dems to oppose fracking
- Secured a commitment from the First Minister to reach a decision and bring a vote in Parliament this year
Alison Johnstone MSP, health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:
"Greens have opposed fracking from the start, and over the years I've been encouraged by the strength of feeling at community events I've taken part in right across Scotland. It's been a long struggle but we've stood together against the threat of this dangerous and unnecessary drilling process, and we hope the end is in sight.
"Given the risks to public health, the safety of workers, and the damage to our reputation as a climate change leader, it's high time the Scottish Government made the right decision and ruled out fracking for good."
Mark Ruskell MSP, climate change spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:
"Greens have been leading this fight, and our campaigning means tens of thousands of people have made their views known to the Scottish Government through its consultation. The evidence has been clear all along, and the powers to ban this technology have been available all along.
"Communities across Scotland deserve certainty. By putting a legal ban in place, we can focus on the creation of lasting jobs in a clean economy."