[Greens-Media] Government's 60 day coal seam gas moratorium will not stop drilling

[Max Phillips]

21 May 2011
Government's 60 day coal seam gas moratorium will not stop drilling
The Greens mining spokesperson, Jeremy Buckingham MLC, has called on
the government to extend its moratorium on coal and coal seam gas
exploration licences to a full 12 months, and to cover existing
exploration operations –not just new licence grants, so that a Special
Commission of Inquiry can thoroughly investigate the safety and
sustainability of coal seam gas extraction.
 "The government's 60 day moratorium on new exploration licences for
coal and coal seam gas mining is recognition that there are serious
health and sustainability issues with these industries," said Greens MP
Jeremy Buckingham.
"Sixty days is a token time and will not allow a thorough investigation
into the health and sustainability of the coal and coal seam gas
industry, we need at least twelve months. 
"The moratorium only seems to cover new exploration licences, not
existing exploration and production activity.  Given exploration
licences already cover large swathes of NSW, including the Sydney
metropolitan area, the moratorium will not stop existing exploration and
production drilling or fracking operations.    
"France has banned the controversial method of gas extraction called
fracking, and many US states and NSW local councils are also concerned
about the impact of coal seam gas industry.  NSW should employ the
precautionary principle and follow suit with a 12 month moratorium.
"The coal and coal seam gas industry has massive plans for expansion in
NSW.  The government should not just do a few token gestures aimed at
placating some of the concerned farmers and activists, it must conduct a
thorough assessment of the industry before expansion is allowed.
"The Greens have a private members bill – Coal Seam Gas Moratorium Bill
2011 – that would place a 12 month moratorium on the coal seam gas
industry.  During this time a Special Commission of Inquiry should
conduct an independent investigation into the health effects,
agricultural and land use effects, water, biodiversity, environmental
sustainability and climate impacts of this new industry," he said.
Contact: Max Phillips 0419 444 916
Max Phillips
 
OFFICE OF JEREMY BUCKINGHAM MLC
Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9230 2202 | Fax: 02 9230 3341 | Mobile: 0419 444 916
 

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