Cameron acknowledges that it will fully develop shale gas

British Prime Minister David Cameron has publicly stated that the government is committed to the full development of shale gas resources. This move comes as part of a broader energy strategy aimed at boosting domestic energy production and reducing reliance on foreign imports. In addition, the government has announced that local authorities near shale gas drilling sites will retain all sales tax generated from these operations, potentially bringing in millions of pounds for local communities.

However, the decision has not been without controversy. The use of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has raised significant environmental concerns. To address some of these issues, Cameron promised that profits from major energy companies involved in shale gas extraction would be distributed directly to nearby homeowners in cash. This gesture was intended to ease tensions with local residents, but it has also drawn criticism from environmental groups who argue that such measures may be seen as attempts to buy support for the industry.

When news broke that French energy giant Total was investing in shale gas projects in the UK, activists quickly voiced their outrage. Some accused the government of using financial incentives to silence opposition, comparing the situation to a form of political bribery. The controversy has intensified as environmental organizations like Greenpeace continue to raise alarms about the potential risks associated with shale gas extraction.

Looking back, the British government first introduced its “Regulatory Roadmap” for shale gas development in December 2013. At the time, the plan faced strong backlash from environmentalists and local communities. Critics argued that the regulatory framework lacked sufficient safeguards and transparency. Greenpeace specifically criticized officials for citing a "Strategic Environmental Assessment" report that allegedly failed to highlight key environmental risks. According to the report, shale gas drilling could consume up to 9 million cubic meters of water annually, with the resulting wastewater enough to fill 40,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Additionally, nearby villages could face noise pollution from heavy truck traffic, with some areas experiencing up to 50 daily trips over a period of several months. These concerns have fueled ongoing debates about the long-term sustainability and safety of large-scale shale gas operations in the UK.