Regulatory Action on "Fracking" Needed Now: Younger

March 21, 2011

(Halifax, NS) Liberal energy and environment critic Andrew Younger says the NDP government cannot stay neutral on the regulatory process for hydraulic fracturing in Nova Scotia.

It was reported on the weekend that the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources visited the United States to gather information on the fracking process and how it is managed in other jurisdictions. The minister suggested there was no rush to develop appropriate regulations as no applications were before government for fracking.

Younger believes that updated regulations must first be in place before any operation is permitted to move forward in Nova Scotia.

“Minister Parker has every reason to expedite the development of policy for fracking in Nova Scotia, not delay it - now is the time get the province’s framework in place,” states Younger. “The longer the NDP lingers on introducing regulations for hydraulic fracturing, the longer concerned citizens and businesses remain in the lurch, waiting for decisions to be made.”

“Regulations that ensure the protection of human health and the environment, while giving clear rules for industry, should come before, not after, applications are made.”

“The resource isn’t going anywhere - that’s what we all need to remember.  Nova Scotians must be the primary beneficiaries of this precious resource and not the victims,” says Younger.“Let’s get the regulatory process moving and bring safe, prosperous economic development to our province.”

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