Clarification of Scotland’s policy on hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells again has been delayed.
In response to a parliamentary question, Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse announced an 8-week public consultation on the completion method, beginning Apr. 21.
The government earlier said it would inform Parliament of its position during the first quarter of this year.
Wheelhouse in October 2017 had told Parliament a moratorium imposed in 2015 “would remain in place indefinitely” and said notification to local authorities effectively banned development of unconventional oil and gas resources.
When challenged in court, the government said it had not prohibited hydraulic fracturing.
The court ruled last year that Scotland had an “emerging and unfinalized planning policy expressing no support on the part of the Scottish government” for unconventional resource development (OGJ Online, June 19, 2018).
Wheelhouse, according to press reports, told Parliament the final policy would be adopted “as soon as possible” after conclusion of the public consultation.