The publication results of a consultation have confirmed that public concern has forced the UK government to abandon its plan to allow fracking in England’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There are 4,000 SSSIs, described by government officials as the “best of our wildlife, geological and physiographical heritage” in England. Such sites were initially protected from fracking, but in July such protection seemed to be lifted. There are 4,000 SSSIs in England. In an open letter published on Monday, David Cameron said he was “deeply disappointed” by the decision and would consider legal action against ministers if they did not reverse it. However, anti-fracking campaigners commented that companies could still drill to the edge of, and beneath, protected areas.
The publication results of a consultation have confirmed that public concern has forced the UK government to abandon its plan to allow fracking in England’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Such sites were initially protected from fracking, but in July such protection seemed to be lifted. There are 4,000 SSSIs in England. In an open letter published on Monday, David Cameron said he was “deeply disappointed” by the decision and would consider legal action against ministers if they did not reverse it. However, anti-fracking campaigners commented that companies could still drill to the edge of, and beneath, protected areas.