Fracking is a classic reason why England needs Regional Devolution (Part 3)

My devolution vision states that there should be a dramatic reduction in the number of MPs sitting in Westminster, in return for the creation of Regional Parliaments in English Regions.  There are a number of issues which would be better regulated regionally, and not by a National Government that is too far detached from those citizens most affected.  One such issue is Fracking.

Despite Spain battling a deep recession, the Northern Region of Cantabria was able to pass a law in April 2013 which banned Fracking.  Although a mechanism does exist for the Spanish National Government to appeal or overturn Cantabria's ban, the point is that a very small region has a legislative voice that carries some weight.  So far, Spain's National Government would appear to have made few moves towards reversing the law passed by Cantabria's Regional Parliament.  One reason for that could be that the conservative Popular Party controls both the National Parliament at present, as well as the Cantabria Regional Parliament.  Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy may feel against this backdrop that fracking could be too much of a divisive issue within his own party.

In May 2012, Vermont became the first US State to Ban Fracking.  In signing the law, Vermont's Governor referred to the science behind fracking being "uncertain at best."  Environmentalists in Vermont have seized on the momentum of the fracking ban, with objections to a pipeline going through the State which would transport shale gas from Canada to New York.  Vermont (which is also known as the Green Mountain State) is the second least populous state in the US, and is a state that is highly dependent on tourism.  In fact some of the largest ski areas of New England are located in Vermont.

I have previously indicated that on balance fracking may be a good thing if regulated regionally; but I also have full respect for the lawmakers in Cantabria and Vermont alike, who seem to be in tune with their respective regional electorates.  Comparing the voice of the citizen in these regions, with the voice in the English Regions, is very worrying to say the least.

At present English communities are expected to be offered £100,000 for a well used for exploratory drilling, plus 1% of eventual profits which are generated.  The UK's Coalition Government appear to be making noises towards acknowledging the feelings of communities affected by possible fracking proposals, in particular the possibility that the Government may be willing to increase the amount paid to residents near fracking operations.  The English and Welsh Local Government Association (LGA) are believed to be looking for ministers to match the 5-10 per cent which is paid to affected communities in other countries.  Whilst this would be a step in the right direction, IT IS REGIONAL DEVOLUTION WHICH IS ULTIMATELY REQUIRED TO ADDRESS AN EMERGING DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT!