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<p>The Department regularly receives representations regarding regulation relating
to shale gas development and exploration and we have produced a range of guidance
material which set out how these concerns are addressed. These can be found at the
following link.</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/providing-regulation-and-licensing-of-energy-industries-and-infrastructure/supporting-pages/developing-shale-gas-and-oil-in-the-uk"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/providing-regulation-and-licensing-of-energy-industries-and-infrastructure/supporting-pages/developing-shale-gas-and-oil-in-the-uk</a></p><p>We
have a strong regulatory framework in place to ensure a comprehensive regime for exploratory
activities, and the UK has over 50 years of experience in oil and gas drilling. All
of the right regulations are in place to ensure on-site safety, prevent water contamination,
air pollution and mitigate seismic activity.</p><p>In June 2012 the Royal Society
and Royal Academy of Engineering published an independent review of the scientific
and engineering evidence on risks associated with UK shale gas development. Their
report concluded that environmental (and health and safety) risks can be managed effectively
in the UK, when operational best practices are implemented and enforced through regulation.</p><p>In
June 2014 Public Health England published a report that evaluated available evidence
on issues including air quality, radon gas, naturally occurring radioactive materials,
water contamination and waste water. They concluded that “the risks to public health
from exposure to emissions from shale gas extraction are low if operations are properly
run and regulated.”</p>
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