This section includes details of resources and contacts that we have found helpful in putting together this website. If you know of other useful resources for homeowners affected by fracking, please let us know through our comments section.
Information about fracking
The shale gas industry is relatively new to the UK, so most studies and films about the impacts of fracking have been undertaken in other countries, particularly the United States and Australia. Please bear in mind that these countries are larger and less densely populated than the UK and their procedures and regulations for fracking may also be different.
In the UK the 2015 Medact report, Health and Fracking: The impacts and opportunity costs, reviews fracking from a comprehensive public health perspective. It examines the direct effects of fracking on health and the environment; the relationship between fracking and climate change; and the adequacy of the UK’s regulatory system. Only 34 pages long and essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the issues associated with fracking. It is available at https://www.medact.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/medact_fracking-report_WEB4.pdf N.B. In 2016 Medact produced a shorter report, Shale Gas Production in England – An Updated Public Health Assessment (also available on their website) which reached similar conclusions but provided further evidence particularly with regard to fracking and climate change.
Drill or Drop (www.drillordrop.com) publishes independent evidence-based journalism on fracking, onshore oil and gas and the reactions to it. The main author, Ruth Hayhurst, is an independent reporter with more than 30 years’ experience, specialising in environment, energy and local government. Very useful reliable information on fracking in the UK. They also have a very clear interactive map which enables people to find out if their home is in an area that has been licenced for fracking.
Another useful source of information on what is happening internationally with fracking is The Compendium compiled by Concerned Health Professionals of New York. The full title for this is The Compendium of Scientific, Medical and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking (Unconventional gas and oil extraction) Fourth Edition November 17, 2016. It is available online at www.concernedhealthny.org/compendium
The Guardian newspaper also has good coverage of environmental issues including fracking.
Organisations offering support or campaigning on fracking
If you don’t support fracking, don’t give your money to companies that do. The following website will enable you to make a proper assessment.
Friends of the Earth provide information about fracking and top tips on how to stop it near you, including a Stop Fracking Action Pack. Their website address is www.foe.co.uk
The HomeOwners Alliance champions the interests of Britain’s 17 million homeowners and also aspiring homeowners in the media and with the government. They have already expressed concern publicly about the potential impact of fracking on house prices. However, their main function is to provide unbiased and practical advice and services, whether you are buying, selling or owning your property. See www.hoa.org.uk
Frack Off (UK) The Extreme Energy Action Network supports a large number of local groups who are resisting attempts to frack in their area, so they are a good source of information about what is happening across the UK. They can be contacted for support online at outreach@frack-off.org#communityfightback#fracking
Greenpeace UK has been working with volunteers to organise peaceful protests against fracking, including obstructing the entrance to Cuadrilla’s fracking site at Preston New Road in Lancashire. See www.greenpeace.org.uk/what-we-do/climate/fracking/
Reclaim the Power is a UK based direct action network, working with frontline communities to confront environmentally destructive industries and the social and economic forces driving climate change. They have organised the Rolling Resistance to Cuadrilla’s fracking site at Preston New Road in Lancashire. Their website is https//:reclaimthepower.org.uk
HOMEOWNERS AGAINST FRACKING 