Energy firm threatens to sue National Trust over Clumber Park seismic tests

Clumber Park

Ineos, the energy firm, is reported to be considering taking legal against the National Trust so that it can carry out a fracking survey on its land.

A report in the Independent says the company has been trying for the last year to get permission for a seismic survey at Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire.

An Ineos spokesperson told the Press Association: “If the National Trust refuses to change its position, Ineos will have no choice but to write to the Oil and Gas Authority, asking for permission to seek a court order enforcing its rights to carry out these surveys on National Trust land.”

The Ineos corporate affairs spokesperson Tom Cotty said the work done by Ineos would be “totally non-evasive” with the vast majority of the process undertaken overground.

Lynn Calder, commercial director of Ineos Shale, said: “The National Trust is taking an overtly political position against all fossil fuels.

“What it fails to recognise is that shale gas is 50% cleaner than coal and 30% cleaner than oil. The development of shale gas will actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are developing a shale gas industry that is safe and essential for the UK and the economy. It is estimated that the industry will create tens of thousands of well-paid jobs and Ineos has pledged to give 6% of revenue to local people – potentially amounting to billions of pounds.”

Ineos told the Press Association it will consider its position over the next few weeks.

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