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Commenting on the analysis by Professor John Underhill of Heriot-Watt University that the UK’s geology is unsuitable for fracking, Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said:

“Professor Underhill’s analysis of the geological complexity of the UK’s shale resources simply adds weight to the already overwhelming case against fracking in Scotland or indeed anywhere in these Isles. He is not the first geologist to point out serious flaws in the case the industry makes for pursuing shale gas, and no doubt he won’t be the last.

“FoES has long highlighted the misleading use of US shale gas economics by industry players like Ineos to make a case for fracking in Scotland. However, even if Scotland’s geology presented ideal conditions for shale gas extraction, the case against fracking is still very clear. Fracking presents a whole host of risks to people’s health and our local environment, while in the context of irreversible climate change, going after a new source of fossil fuels is quite literally the last thing we should be doing.

“Support for fracking is at an all time low. Over 60,000 people have responded to a consultation on fracking in Scotland with the vast majority calling for an all out ban. We urge the Scottish Government to put an end to this discussion by banning fracking once and for all, and focus instead on a rapid and fair transition to a zero carbon economy.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Around 60,000 people and organisations have responded to the Scottish Government’s own consultation on unconventional fossil fuels. A proposal from the Government is expected in the autumn and will be subject to a vote in the Scottish Parliament. If it proposes a ban it may either be a ban in policy or a legal ban.

2. The Republic of Ireland passed a legal ban on fracking in May this year. https://www.foe.ie/news/2017/05/31/dail-fracking-ban-a-great-victory-for…

3.Friends of the Earth Scotland is
* Scotland’s leading environmental campaigning organisation
* An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland
* Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 75 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups.
www.foe-scotland.org.uk