Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has welcomed a report by the British government’s health agency regarding fracking.
The risks to public health from exposure to emissions from shale gas extraction or fracking are low as long as operations are properly run and regulated, the British government's health agency said on Thursday.
Murdo Fraser, believes that the Scottish Government must do more to encourage shale gas extraction in Scotland in order to secure indigenous manufacturing and refining.
Leaders at Grangemouth indicated that the future of the plant will become reliant on shale gas imports from the United States. A supply of domestic shale gas would further secure its future.
Since there is currently no fracking in Britain, the PHE report examined evidence from countries such as the United States, most of which it said suggested any risk to health is typically due to operational failure.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This report underlines evidence that shows a well regulated shale gas industry would pose relatively little risk to public health.
“Furthermore, the UK Government has created the strictest regulatory regime in the world when it comes to fracking and shale gas extraction.
“The north sea petrochemical industry has given Scotland a workforce skilled in expert drilling techniques that could allow shale gas to be extracted with minimum fuss.
“The Scottish Government must act now as it has the power to kick-start fracking in Scotland which could secure cheap energy for consumers as well as a future for industry.”