Green Party call for an immediate moratorium on fracking in light of breaking news from the U.S.

 

U.S. Army and the U.S. Geological Survey have concluded that fracking does cause earthquakes.

On 5 November an earthquake measuring 5.6 rattled Oklahoma and was felt as far away as Illinois. Before fracking took place in the region Oklahoma typically had about 50 earthquakes a year, but in 2010 this figure increased by a terrifying 2094% with 1,047 quakes hitting the area.

 Both the U.S Army and the U.S. Geological Survey, who have conducted over fifty years of research into the area, confirm on a federal level that that “fluid injection” introduces subterranean instability and is a contributory factor in inducing increased seismic activity.

The reports come at a particularly interesting time for the UK thanks to the recent confirmed  link between the Cuadrilla fracking plant and the Lancashire earthquakes.

The Green Party has long criticized this practice, arguing that not only is there a risk of water pollution but that an increased rise in seismic activity leaves local residents at risk and feeling anxious and vulnerable.

"It's time for an immediate halt and a complete re-think of the government's approach to these energy resources."