Fracking hits UK shores

Following earthquakes in Blackpool, 'Fracking', the subject of Dogwoof film Gasland, has become big news in the UK. The earthquake comes just days after the UK government said that there were no risks involved with shale gas drilling, and there are currently several plans for similar projects to start work across the country.

Hydraulic fracturing is a form of gas extraction whereby a liquid is pumped down deep into the earth in order to split the shale and release trapped natural gas, which can then be used as fuel.

When US filmmaker Josh Fox was asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarked on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A drilled  Pennsylvania town reported that residents were able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations in Gasland.

For more info on the UK Fracking proposals see these links. France is already considering banning Fracking and we should urge our government to as well until the risks are fully investigated

http://blogs.ft.com/westminster/2011/06/why-we-all-need-to-know-more-about-fracking/

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/02/business/global/02fracking.html

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/lep-business/controversial_gas_drill_operation_heads_west_1_3431671

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-13599161