Britain has given the green light to gas “fracking”, just days after David Cameron said the controversial technique could help bring down household energy bills. Edward Davey, the Energy Secretary, this morning lifted a ban on the drilling for shale gas, which was put in place after the UK’s first project near Lancashire caused tremors last year. His decision will allow companies to explore for the new energy source across swathes of countryside in the south, north-west and north-east of England. The first company to drill for Britain’s shale gas – Cuadrilla Resources – will now be able to resume its operations near Blackpool, with new controls guarding against the risk of mini earthquakes. --Rowena Mason, The Daily Telegraph, 13 December 2012
