Scottish Lib Dem conference: Delegates vote to end fracking moratorium

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35670953

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The Scottish Lib Dem conference has voted in favour of lifting a moratorium on fracking in Scotland.

Delegates passed an amendment at their annual gathering in Edinburgh. However, the move was opposed by party leader Willie Rennie.

Last year the Scottish government introduced a block on planned fracking operations.

Opponents of the energy capture claim it causes earthquakes and pollutes water supplies.

Scottish ministers said they were keen to carry out work on the environmental and health implications.

The Scottish Lib Dem conference amendment said: "Lifting the moratorium on planning and licensing for unconventional oil and gas extraction, granting the potential for Scottish-sourced unconventional gas to supply our important petrochemical industry."

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