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<p>The Department works closely with the relevant regulators and industry to ensure
that the regulatory system is as streamlined as possible, whilst remaining robust
enough to safeguard public safety and the environment.</p><p>In order to help companies
navigate our regulatory system, the Department published in December a Regulatory
Roadmap setting out all the regulation that applies to shale at the exploration stage.</p><p>We
have already reduced unnecessary duplication in the regulatory system for shale gas,
clarifying and streamlining the regulation of exploration activity through the Environment
Agency, including developing a single application form for permits. The average waiting
time for environmental permits for onshore oil and gas is 8 to 9 weeks. We will introduce
standard rules environmental permits later this year cutting permitting times for
low risk activities to 2-4 weeks.</p><p>The Department of Communities and Local Government
published planning guidance for onshore oil & gas projects last July, which makes
clear that planning authorities when assessing applications should assume that the
environmental and health and safety regulatory regimes operate effectively rather
than duplicating effort.</p><p>We are also consulting on proposals designed to simplify
current procedures for obtaining access to underground land. This consultation is
open until the 15th August and, subject to the outcome of the consultation, could
lead to legislative proposals.</p><p> </p>
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