Former MP was today (5 October 2018)
announced as the new independent Commissioner for Shale Gas.
The government understands the development of shale gas
exploration and production sites is an issue which directly
affects local communities and recognises the need to provide
those communities with impartial, fact-based information.
Taking up her post this week, will be a direct
communication link between local communities, the shale gas
industry and the industry regulators. The commissioner will be a
contact point for residents, to listen to their concerns, refer
them to relevant and factual research and help improve
communication with regulators and industry.
, Commissioner for Shale Gas,
said:
If extracted safely, shale gas has the potential to be a new,
domestic source of energy for the UK. But there is a need for
clear, impartial information to be provided to all parties and
in particular those local communities most affected by shale
gas development.
As the Commissioner for Shale Gas, I look forward to working
closely with communities, regulators and industry to ensure
facts are easily accessible as the process of shale exploration
continues to develop.
Energy and Clean Growth Minister said
It’s important we get the facts straight on shale gas and that
communities can access the best scientific information when
engaging with the developers and regulators.
This new role will provide a single point of contact for local
residents to get the information they need and have their
questions answered.
As the UK makes progress towards shale gas production, proving
a streamlined way for developers to engage with our robust
regulators will increase efficiency and help to continually
improve our already world-leading regulations in this area.
The UK regulatory regime for shale gas is considered among the
most robust and stringent in the world. Regulators ensure the
shale gas industry meets the relevant environmental criteria to
operate responsibly in the UK and that these regulations keep
pace with the development of shale gas exploration.
The commissioner will work closely with the shale gas regulators,
although will be distinct from them, as it is not a regulatory
role and has no powers of enforcement or investigation. To
preserve the independence of the regulators, the commissioner
will not comment on any specific regulatory decisions.
The appointment comes as the government announced the set up of a
Shale Environmental Regulator Group, which will bring the
regulators (Oil and Gas Authority, Health and Safety Executive
and Environment Agency) together as a virtual body. The Shale
Environmental Regulator Group will act as one, coherent, single
face for local authorities and industry, helping to resolve
regulatory issues on sites and sharing best practice with local
authorities considering shale gas applications.
was Member of Parliament for
North East Derbyshire from 2005 to 2017.
She has first-hand experience of the local impact of shale gas
developments and also has experience of working closely with
industry, regulators and government on how to best engage local
communities on this important topic.
