FREDERICTON – The provincial government has introduced a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in the province, following through on its commitment to New Brunswickers.
“Creating jobs is our government’s top priority but we need to do this in a responsible and sustainable way. Today our government is bringing forward legislation to proceed with a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing activity in New Brunswick, as we committed to doing in Moving New Brunswick Forward,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “We have been clear from day one that we will impose a moratorium until risks to the environment, health and water are understood.”
Energy and Mines Minister Donald Arseneault will introduce an amendment to the Oil and Natural Gas Act that will allow government to prohibit hydraulic fracturing activity. The moratorium will not be lifted unless more information is gathered and certain conditions are addressed.
“Our conditions focus on five key areas where more information needs to be gathered and more work needs to be done,” said Gallant. “The moratorium will not be lifted unless we are satisfied that these conditions have been met.”
Gallant outlined the following conditions. The moratorium will not be lifted unless there is:
- A social license in place;
- Clear and credible information about the impacts of hydraulic fracturing on our health, environment and water, allowing us to develop country-leading re ...
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