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Conservative manifesto: Energy efficiency focus, oil and gas support and 'fracking revolution'
The Conservatives have pledged to maintain the UK’s climate change commitments through enhanced clean technology and energy efficiency funding, but the Party's manifesto also proposes continued support for the North Sea oil and gas industry and an additional focus on fracking.
What will be the big environment events in 2017?
From air pollution to Trump and wildlife extinction, we look at the major environmental issues for the year ahead.
North Yorkshire fracking approved by High Court ruling
Fracking in North Yorkshire will go ahead after a legal challenge by green campaigners was dismissed by a High Court ruling, in the same week that President Obama permanently banned new oil and gas drilling in most US-owned waters in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans.
Public support for renewables rises as nuclear and fracking falls
Public backing for nuclear energy and fracking has fallen in recent months while support for clean energy continues to surge, according to the latest opinion tracker from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Fracking in UK given go-ahead as Lancashire council rejection overturned
Communities secretary, Sajid Javid has overturned Lancashire county council's rejection of a fracking site, paving the way for shale company Cuadrilla to drill in the county next year and drawing outrage from local groups, environmentalists and politicians.
New shale consultation deepens fracking controversy
Payments for communities near fracking wells will not be circulated until a new well site begins operating and producing gas, the Government has confirmed in a consultation published on the shale wealth fund.
Campaigners threaten legal action over fracking decision
Campaigners have written to North Yorkshire County Council, threatening to take legal action over its decision to approve Third Energy's plans for fracking near the village of Kirby Misperton.
Landmark North Yorkshire fracking approval leaves green groups up in arms
Shale development company Third Energy has been given the go-ahead by North Yorkshire County Council to hydraulically fracture an existing well near the village of Kirby Misperton - a decision labelled as "bitterly disappointing" and "an absolute travesty" by campaign groups and environmentalists.
Brexit would cause 'electric shock' for energy costs, warns Amber Rudd
Energy Secretary Amber Rudd has today (24 March) warned that leaving the European Union would see energy costs 'rocket' by £500m as well as depleting investor confidence.
DECC survey: The more people know about fracking, the less they support it
The more people know about fracking, the less they support it, new Government research has found.
Engineers warn of looming UK energy gap
The UK is facing an unprecedented "energy gap" in a decade's time, according to engineers, with demand for electricity likely to outstrip supply by more than 40%, which could lead to black outs .
MPs vote to approve fracking under national parks
MPs have voted by 298 to 261 to allow fracking to take place under national parks, despite the government previously pledging an outright ban on fracking in protected areas.
UK is going into reverse on clean energy, says former Environment Agency head
The UK is going into reverse on renewable energy while pressing the accelerator on fracking, according to former Environment Agency chairman Lord Chris Smith.
Rudd's 'reset' speech: 12 things you need to know...
Amber Rudd has delivered an historic speech today (18 November), laying out a new direction for UK energy policy - including a target end-date for coal generation, plans for more gas-fired power plants and potential subsidy auctions for offshore wind.
Report: EU fracking guidelines fail to protect environment & citizens
Non-binding EU guidelines on shale gas exploration are "weak" and fail to protect the environment and health of citizens, a new report has claimed today (8 October).
UK poll reveals 'overwhelming' public support for community renewables
More than three quarters of UK households would support renewable energy projects such as wind turbines and solar farms if the profits generated benefitted the local community, a poll has found.
Government could push through fracking applications if councils delay
Fracking planing applications that are being held up by local councils could be fast-tracked by Government, following new measures announced today by Energy Secretary Amber Rudd and Communities Secretary Greg Clark.
Rudd warns councils to speed up fracking decisions
Energy and Climate Change Secretary Amber Rudd has announced the Government will be writing to local councils to urge them to speed up planning decisions on fracking.
Labour frontrunner launches ambitious environmental manifesto
Labour leadership contender Jeremy Corbyn has announced a far-reaching green vision for his environmental policy in an announcement today (7 August).
One fifth of Brits back fracking, Government survey reveals
Public support for fracking has dropped to an all-time low, as new Government figures show a clear link between education about fracking and opposition to the technology.
Cuadrilla to appeal against fracking refusal by Lancashire county council
Lancashire county council faces an appeal by a leading UK shale gas company after refusing its applications to frack for shale gas in the county.
'Rigorous regulation' needed to make fracking safe, says Task Force
The Task Force on Shale Gas has called on the Government to allow the drilling of boreholes without full planning consent, in a report released today (15 July).
Fracking could hurt house prices, health and environment, official report says
Fracking operations to extract shale gas in Britain could cause nearby house prices to fall by up to 7% and create a risk of environmental damage, according to a government report that has been published in full for the first time.
First Cuadrilla fracking bid rejected by Lancashire council
Lancashire County Council has turned down Cuardrilla's planning application for fracking at Roseacre Wood.
Natural gas 'very risky' to clean up energy supply
Natural gas does should not be considered an 'easy bridge' between coal power and renewable energy, the New Climate Economy (NCE) has warned.
Conservative manifesto: "We have been the greenest government ever"
Prime Minister David Cameron outlined the Conservative party's election pledges in a manifesto document which was immediately slammed by green groups as "anti-green growth" and "a recipe for higher energy bills".
Doctors diagnose 'serious health risks' of fracking
Doctors and other health professionals have added their weight to the campaign for an immediate moratorium on fracking in the UK as a new report from health charity Medact warns that exploratory drilling for shale gas poses a serious risk to public health.
Lord Smith 'hugely sceptical' of fracking for shale oil in the UK
The former chief of the Environment Agency is "hugely sceptical" on the prospects of fracking for shale oil in the UK, saying it is far from clear that the process should be used to extract quantities of oil from downlands in the south-east of England.
Budget 2015: 10 hopes for energy & environment
Elections are not won on environmental policy. That is the accepted wisdom. But sustainability professionals are, by their nature, an optimistic bunch, and have been vocal in laying out their demands for Wednesday's budget - the last of the current Parliament.
Shale gas should be at centre of next government's energy policy - Tim Yeo
Shale gas exploration can be environmentally sound, and should be the centrepiece of the next government's energy policy, the Conservative's most senior green-leaning MP has urged.
Fracking will be allowed under national parks, MPs decide
Fracking companies will be allowed to drill horizontally under national parks and other protected areas if the wells start just outside their boundaries, after the government rowed back on its earlier acceptance of new environmental protections.
Fracking set to be banned from 40% of England's shale areas
Fracking is set to be banned on two-fifths of the land in England being offered for shale gas exploration by the government, according to a Guardian analysis.
Scotland announces moratorium on fracking for shale gas
The Scottish government has announced a moratorium on all planning consents for unconventional oil and gas extraction, including fracking.
Infrastructure Bill: What it means and what they said
The recent debate and vote on the Infrastructure Bill - the first such vote for MPs on fracking - had major ramifications for the environment and the UK energy mix.
Fracking u-turn: Banned in national parks, moratorium rejected
Fracking for shale gas will NOT be fast-tracked in the UK after the Government accepted Labour proposals close a number of environmental loopholes in a spectacular last-minute u-turn.
Fracking fracas: Campaigners and MPs urge Cameron to reconsider
A mass anti-fracking petition has been delivered to Downing Street and a new survey revealing the widespread condemnation of the Government's 'all-out' support for shale has been released, ahead of the first Commons vote on fracking legislation.
Fracking job claims hugely exaggerated, says Friends of the Earth
Renewable energy generates six times as many jobs as gas, says a new Friends of the Earth (FoE) report which rubbishes claims from shale-exploration firm Cuadrilla that each fracking wellpad will support 1,100 jobs.
UK's shale gas revolution falls flat with just 11 new wells planned for 2015
The UK government's planned shale gas revolution has barely got out of the starting blocks with just 11 new exploratory wells for shale gas and oil due to be drilled this year even before the impact of plunging oil prices has fully begun to impact on the industry.
Government commits to 'greener' fracking with £2m fund
The Government has unveiled a new £2m fund for 19 companies across the UK to develop innovative ideas that improve the sustainability and safety of shale oil and gas.
Labour's proposed fracking restrictions welcomed by green groups
Friends of the Earth have welcomed a new Labour proposal to ban fracking near vital underground water stores.
Report: Businesses 'surprisingly relaxed' about water impacts of fracking
Key stakeholders in the use and procurement of shale gas appear unconcerned about the potential impacts of fracking on water pollution and water resources, according to a new report from a sustainability consultancy firm.
Autumn statement 2014: What it means for green business
"Britain is back on course," proclaimed George Osborne earlier today, but environmental announcements were in short supply as the Chancellor delivered his final Autumn Statement before the General Election.
Scientists turn sawdust into renewable fuel
Belgian researchers have developed a new process allowing them to turn sawdust into the building blocks for gasoline.
Former Environment Agency head to lead industry-funded fracking task force
The risks and benefits of fracking for the UK are to be examined by a "independent" task force, led by the former head of the Environment Agency, Lord Chris Smith, and funded by shale gas companies.
Owen Paterson: Current energy policy 'a slave to flawed climate action'
Former Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has delivered another controversial speech, this time arguing that the UK's current energy policy is not reducing emissions and providing the power the country needs.
UK energy policy 'vital' to circular economy success, report argues
A new report which warns that current energy policies are stifling the UK's transition to a circular economy has been welcomed by the renewables industry, with calls for the Government to do more to realise the green potential of waste.
Conservative Party Conference: Cameron ignores climate change
Despite highlighting climate change as one of the 'biggest challenges of this generation' at the Climate Summit last week, Cameron made no mention of the issue in his final conference speech before next year's general election today, other than to announce that the UK is 'leading, not following, on climate change.'
Record CO2 emissions 'committing world to dangerous climate change'
Global greenhouse gas emissions on course to reach record high of over 40bn tonnes in 2014, study in Nature Geoscience says.
Global water availability 'could limit fracking developments'
A new report that looks into the potential environmental effects of fracking has revealed that drilling and fracturing shale gas wells poses a 'significant risk' to freshwater supplies across the globe.
Protesters occupy field near Cuadrilla's proposed fracking site in Blackpool
Protest camp set up in Fylde area as locals and campaigning groups prepare for mass action on Sunday.
Will shale gas ever find its place in today's broad energy mix?
Many decades ago, Albert Einstein said that 'Everything is Energy and Energy is everything". This claim is still very true as we look at the impact of energy as a source on our modern society today.
Government opens bidding for fracking licences while 'protecting' National Parks
The government has today (July 28) opened the bidding process for companies seeking exploration licences to extract shale oil and gas using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
Study reveals fracking risk to drinking water
New underground maps from the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the Environment Agency (EA) have discovered that many shale gas deposits overlap with major water aquifers.
Scotland shale gas and oil reserves 'modest' compared with England
Midland Valley of Scotland has up to 134.6 trillion cubic feet of shale gas below ground, according to British Geological Survey.
Solar league table: Britain's top solar-powered constituencies revealed
Andrew Lansley is top of the class, Justine Greening is bottom, and Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey is lagging behind in a new 'league table' and interactive map of constituencies and solar power.
Coal's share of energy market at highest level since 1970
Use of coal for power generation and other purposes grew by 3% in 2013 - faster than any other fossil fuel.
Queen's speech: win on plastic bags, lose on zero-carbon homes
Despite affirming "My ministers champion efforts to secure a global agreement on climate change", the final Queen's speech before the next general election was decidedly thin when it came to action on sustainability and the environment.
Shale and non-Russian gas imports at heart of new EU energy strategy
Ukraine crisis forces bloc to seek diverse sources of gas, but green groups complain ignoring renewables is a mistake.
Energy company abandons South Downs fracking plans
Campaigners claim victory after Celtique Energy tells residents it will not drill horizontally under their land.
Shale gas review: Energy efficiency remains 'national priority', experts argue
The Government is being urged to remain focused on the task of moving the UK to an efficient and low-carbon energy system following the release of a new report from the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee about the potential of using more shale gas.
Budget 2014: Osborne caps carbon tax as part of his 'Budget for a resilient economy'
The Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed a cap on the Carbon Price Floor at £18 per ton of CO2 from 2016-2017 to the end of the decade.
George Osborne wants climate change tackled as cheaply as possible
Chancellor calls on environmentalists to drop opposition to nuclear power and shale gas as they can be inexpensive
'Fracking' for offshore shale gains traction with plans to drill Irish sea
The co-founder of shale gas firm Caudrilla is aiming to drill the world's first offshore shale gas wells.
Fracking opponents are being irrational, says David Cameron
Prime minister questioned by House of Commons liaison committee about shale gas, environment and women's issues
Fracking in the UK: 'We're going all out for shale,' admits Cameron
Environmentalists say prime minister's plan to grant councils 100% of business rates from fracking amounts to a bribe
Autumn Statement 2013: Going green does not have to cost the earth says Osborne
The Chancellor George Osborne skimmed over the rising energy bills debate in his Autumn Statement today and offered brief details on the Government's carbon and energy security plans.
Safeguarding water supplies - a frack too far?
Water is the latest natural resource under threat from fracking and unless the risks are properly assessed, certain areas could face real shortfalls in supply. Maxine Perella reports
Energy producing giants at risk from increasing water scarcity
Water risks are on the rise for three global energy production hotspots - shale gas in the US, coal production and coal-fired power in China, and crude oil in the Middle East.
UKIP hails shale gas and slams Gov's 'over reliance on renewables'
The Government's "obsessive reliance" on renewables is driving energy intensive businesses offshore, while pushing households and pensioners into fuel poverty, according to UKIP's Roger Helmer.
Dieter Helm: EMR will need full review to address issues
The Government's Energy Market Reform (EMR) is supposed to "solve our energy problems" but is it a solution for the next 25 years and is it going to make sure that we achieve our low-carbon transition, keep the lights on and ensure prices are affordable? Leigh Stringer talks to professor of energy policy at Oxford University Dieter Helm
Ed Davey: Britain can't bank on shale gas to solve energy challenges
Ed Davey has backed the exploration of shale gas but expressed caution, claiming it will not "come close to solving even our basic energy resource security challenge".
David Cameron: 'Back fracking or miss opportunities'
Prime Minister David Cameron has today urged the UK to back the controversial practice of 'fracking' or risk missing out on the opportunities associated with shale gas.
Shale gas industry told water quality 'cannot be compromised'
Water companies have called on the shale gas industry to ensure that water quality in the UK is protected "at all costs".
Lush Cosmetics fights fracking as Government cuts shale gas tax
UK company Lush Cosmetics has begun an anti-fracking campaign as the Government announces tax breaks to companies involved in the UK's shale gas industry.
Obama's climate change action plan could swing in favour of UK
US President Barack Obama's recent pledge on climate action could create a ripple effect in the UK, placing strong pressure on the Government to reinstate its 'greenest ever' commitments.
Ed Balls: George Osborne is scaring away long-term green investment
Ed Balls has slammed the Coalition Government for restricting growth in the green industry by its failure to agree a decarbonisation target in the Energy Bill and "shackling" the Green Investment Bank.
UK shale gas resources far greater than previously expected
UK shale gas resources could be double the figure previously estimated, according to a report for the government.
Osborne confirms DECC and Defra budget cuts in spending review
The Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed in today's spending review that the Department for Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) budget will be cut by 8%, while the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has agreed a 10% cut.
Centrica agrees Northern England fracking deal with Cuadrilla
The British Gas owner, Centrica, has bought a 25% stake in a venture license to drill for shale gas in Northern England from fracking firm Cuadrilla.
Lord Deben: UK must commit to low carbon technology to achieve 2050 emissions target
Investing in a portfolio of low-carbon technologies between 2020 and 2030 rather than gas-fired generation will offer "significant economic benefits", new analysis from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) shows.
More than one in three to vote pro-wind in local elections
Supporting wind farms could help candidates win seats in local elections taking place across England tomorrow, according to new research.
Britain's 'energy wasting behaviour' remains high
Energy wasting amongst Brit's remains high despite 80% saying they consider energy saving measures, according to the latest Government figures.
UK shale not necessarily 'silver bullet' to low energy prices
The Government should not assume that gas prices will fall due to a shale gas revolution in the UK, according to a report from the Energy and Climate Change Committee.
Fossil fuels important for UK's low carbon transition says think tank
Fossil fuels have an important role in the UK's transition to low carbon electricity, according to a report released today by the cross-party think tank Carbon Connect.
Is the Chancellor's Budget end of the road for a sustainable economy?
Yesterday's budget provided little assurance to the green sector after the Chancellor announced further cuts to the Department of Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) spending and increased support for the exploration of shale gas, Leigh Stringer reports.
BUDGET 2013: CCS gets go ahead but shale gas to lead the way says Chancellor
The Chancellor announced in today's budget that it will take on two major carbon capture and storage projects but also highlighted intentions to drive investment in shale gas.
PM says Europe's most energy efficient economies will win growth race
Businesses that are best insulated from energy price shocks will be the most successful, while the most energy efficient economies in Europe will see the most growth, says David Cameron.
Locals welcome shale exploration
A survey commissioned by the British drilling company, Cuadrilla Resources, suggests that residents in Lancashire are beginning to support the continued exploration of shale gas in their local area.
Consumers support expansion of renewables
Consumers believe energy companies should invest their profits in renewable energy, according to new research.
Fracking potential risk to 'fragile' UK water supply
The water industry has expressed its concerns over the Government's announcement that fracking for shale gas will resume in the UK.
Fracking gets green light as shale makes comeback in the UK
Hydraulic fracturing for shale gas will resume after the Government today lifted a ban on the practice, known as fracking.
Cameron urges Britain to join the shale gas revolution
Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed his intentions to pursue the potential of shale gas in the UK claiming the technology could be "transformative".
Osborne slammed for 'gas obsession'
The Chancellor has received heavy criticism from environmental organisations following his autumn statement where he outlined plans to allow a new fleet of gas-fired power stations to be built across the UK.
UK scientific community must lead world in energy storage technology
Chancellor George Osborne said today that urgent action is needed to ensure the UK establishes itself as an international focus for energy storage research and innovation.
Fracking could hinder renewable energy targets warns CIWEM
Shale gas from fracking should not be encouraged in the UK until there is evidence that operations can be delivered safely and robust regulatory controls are implemented, according to the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
Paterson welcomes shale, warns of renewables "unintended" risks
Owen Paterson's first speech as the newly appointed Environment Secretary for the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) contained cautionary comments on renewable energy and a clear endorsement of shale gas.
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