The progress of fracking in the UK has been glacial, with not a single well fracked since a ban was lifted in 2013. Companies including Ineos, Cuadrilla and Third Energy have been bogged down in planning battles with local authorities. In the first three months of the year, seven of eight shale drilling plans were rejected by councils. Clark said the UK had a duty to look at fracking as North Sea gas production declined and the country became more reliant on imports. The Local Government Association said it welcomed extra funding to deal with applications but opposed allowing shale applications to bypass local planning.

Source: The Guardian May 17, 2018 11:30 UTC