WIREDGOV

Welsh Government proposals to prevent any new licensing of petroleum extraction in Wales went out to consultation yesterday.

Following the Wales Act 2017 Welsh Ministers will take over responsibility for licensing onshore petroleum extraction from the UK Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) on the 1st October 2018.

Announcing the consultation, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said:

“The new petroleum licensing powers provide an opportunity to consider what should be our approach to petroleum extraction in Wales, for now and future generations.   As a new area of responsibility for the Welsh Government, we commissioned a review of the evidence in 2017 to inform our future policy towards petroleum extraction. 

“This consultation seeks views on that evidence and our proposed policy on petroleum extraction including fracking.

“Our aim is to sustainably manage our natural resources in a way which meets the needs of Wales today, without compromising the needs of future generations.  To meet our climate change targets, our long-term aim is to remove fossil fuels from our energy mix while minimising economic impact and providing clarity for investors and encouraging them to invest in lower carbon alternatives.”

The Cabinet Secretary added:

“By not undertaking any new petroleum licensing in Wales or supporting applications for hydraulic fracturing petroleum license consents, we will be taking a small, yet important step towards a decarbonised future in Wales and will be contributing to the global movement away from fossil fuels.”  

Related Links

Petroleum extraction policy in Wales