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Public Health England report on fracking – Friends of the Earth reaction

news release

Commenting on a report published by Public Health England today (Thursday 31 October 2013), which says the health risks of fracking are low if it is “properly run and regulated”, Friends of the Earth Energy Campaigner Helen Rimmer said:  “Low risk is not the same as no risk.

“Evidence suggests fracking has contaminated drinking water in Australia and the US. There’s no guarantee it won’t happen here – especially given gaping holes in regulations.

“If we’re going to tackle climate change we can’t afford to burn more dirty fossil fuel – we should be developing renewable energy instead.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1.    Fracking is a dirty word. The Government is threatening to puncture our green and pleasant land with countless fracking rigs in a headlong dash for gas, with little thought to local people.

Shale gas is a dirty fossil fuel that contributes to climate change, and it poses serious local environmental risks such as water contamination and shortages. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest it won’t lower fuel bills, and it risks taking much-needed investment away from renewables and energy saving.

For more information, and to send a clear message to the Government that fracking is a dirty word, visit www.foe.co.uk/fracking

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