Sheffield Green Councillors reaction to the Labour Government decision to approve new drilling at the Jackdaw gas field.
Cllr Marieanne Elliot, Deputy Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee, said:
“Giving Jackdaw the go-ahead is climate vandalism – it is not climate leadership. This decision will lead to more devastating events like the deadly heatwaves in the UK this summer and it places a heavy burden on future generations.
“It will not bring down bills. Experts have repeatedly pointed out that new North Sea oil and gas will not bring down fuel prices for our households because oil and gas are traded on international markets. The Energy Minister this morning confirmed “it is important to be clear that this project does not have an impact on affordability and bills”.
“And the industry’s own assessment is that Jackdaw will create only 27 direct jobs.
“The only winners are the big oil companies. The fossil fuel lobbyists have clearly won over the Government at the expense of us all.
“The scientific, moral, social and economic case for keeping fossil fuels in the ground or under the sea and increasing renewables remains – so it is deeply disappointing to hear this decision today.”
Cllr Alexi Dimond, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee said:
“National Government is actively undermining efforts to address the climate emergency, and prevent climate catastrophe, through this announcement to approve drilling for gas at Jackdaw, this will have profound impacts for communities across Sheffield, leading to more extreme heat and flooding, and will hit our poorest, most vulnerable and youngest residents hardest. What message is this sending to younger generations?”
