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Southport Says - Promote Safe Alternatives to FrackingEvidence from other countries and from the only Fracking to be carried out todate in the UK at Preece Hall in Lancashire demonstrates the industry has a proven record of environmental failures. At Preece Hall, which was being Fracked by Cuadrilla in 2011, as many as 46 earth tremors and 2 official earthquakes were experienced resulting in the site being closed down. Evidence has also been considered by the governments own Environmental Audit Committee and as part of their 2015 report they concluded: "Despite the assurances from some that environmental risks can be safely accommodated by existing regulatory systems, an extensive range of uncertainties remains over particular hazards—to groundwater quality and water supplies, from waste and air emissions, to our health and to biodiversity, to the geological integrity of the areas involved, and from noise and disruption. Uncertainty about their significance is in part a reflection of the fact that fracking operations have yet to move beyond the exploratory stage in the UK. It is imperative that the environment is protected from potentially irreversible damage. • Fracking must be prohibited outright in protected and nationally important areas. • Full containment of methane must be mandated. • Fracking should be prohibited in all water source protection zones.148 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Paul Bradshaw
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Require solar panels on new homesHelps to meet our co2 reduction targets whilst reducing energy costs for new home buyers.8 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Gerry Langford
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Stop Fossil Fuel Extraction Near Nuclear InstallationsCurrently there is no limit at all on the proximity of fossil fuel extraction to nuclear installations despite the known risks of induced seismic activity. Given the vast uncertainty regarding the classification of nuclear materials at both Sellafield in Cumbria and Springfields in Lancashire at the very least there should be a moratorium on fossil fuel extraction within the vicinity of nuclear installations. We call for an immediate ban on the extraction of fossil fuels near nuclear installations while a comprehensive inquiry is undertaken. This inquiry should include the worst-case scenarios that could result from induced seismic activity near existing and planned nuclear installations. The inquiry should be undertaken honestly and transparently and be fully independent of current pro-nuclear government policy. WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING SELLAFIELD AND COAL (the plan for the proposed Moorside nuclear reactors would be even nearer to the proposed coal mining activity) "The prospect of reopening and extending the Whitehaven Coal Mine with licenses extending to within a few miles of the decrepit and highly dangerous Sellafield nuclear waste complex is ringing alarm bells in North Wales where we experienced a 5.4 Richter scale earthquake in 1984, the largest ever recorded in Britain. Deliberately creating seismic dangers by reopening this mine so close to the deadliest stockpile of nuclear waste at Sellafield is a deliberately wreckless act of environmental vandalism. PAWB supports Radiation Free Lakeland’s call for an immediate moratorium on fossil fuel extraction, either coal or fracking, within the vicinity of the nuclear installations at Heysham, Sellafield and Springfields because of the obvious seismic risks.” Dylan Morgan on behalf of the anti-nuclear campaign group PAWB, Pobl Atal Wylfa B / People Against Wylfa B http://stop-wylfa.org/wp/ SPRINGFIELDS AND FRACKING “It beggars belief that a fracking pad is being constructed five miles from the Springfields Nuclear Fabrication plant and their nearby nuclear waste dump at Clifton Marsh landfill. We have already witnessed the effects of induced seismicity in the area from one frack at Preese Hall six years ago. Cuadrilla is planning 40-60 wells on the super pad at Preston New Road and maybe up to 100 other pads throughout the Fylde. The area is heavily faulted making it more susceptible not only to seismicity but also to groundwater contamination from the Clifton Marsh nuclear dump. For Sajid Javid to overrule Lancashire County Council’s decision and allow these two forms of extreme energy to sit side-by-side is madness. The people of Lancashire are unprotected and the public health implications are enormous. Pam Foster from RAFF (Residents Action on Fylde Fracking) http://stopfyldefracking.org.uk/ Martyn Lowe from Close Capenhurst Campaign says that: “The danger of something happening at Springfields with any of the Uranium Hexaflouride which is on the site is already very worrying. If there was even a very minor earth tremor as the result of fracking, then it might well increase the odds of something really nasty happening at the site. I very much doubt if Toshiba Westinghouse or the Office for Nuclear Regulation have factored in such a danger in to any of their emergency procedures about what would happen to the plant.” http://close-capenhurst.org.uk/ LIQUEFACTION AT SELLAFIELD AND SPRINGFIELDS? "Induced seismic activity from fossil fuel extraction would not have stand alone consequences in this part of the North West. For example The North West of England has been the only area in the UK ever to have suffered a liquefaction event following a rather minor earthquake near Barrow (now home to Trident) in 1865 following vast mining operations at nearby Hodbarrow. The magnitude was small "probably in the range 2.5–3.5 ML". (pure and applied geophysics November 1998, Volume 152, Issue 4, pp 733–745). A liquefaction event at Sellafield or Springfields would be catastrophic and not only for the North West!" Marianne Birkby from Radiation Free Lakeland https://mariannewildart.wordpress.com/ Even a small buffer zone of 10 miles would be better than the current situation of no proximity limit.1,371 of 2,000 SignaturesCreated by Marianne Birkby
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Tax incentives to pushbike to workIt will encourage people to live within cycling distance of their work. The net effect is less people commuting in cars, less cars on the road, less pollution, more bikes on the road, healthier people. With Apps like Strava and a bike registered to the App. journeys can be recorded and information uploaded. HMRC would be able to see that the journeys are from home to work from uploaded information. We have to create strategies to have less cars on the road and this one.55 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Paul Kirkup
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Stop over packaging and use of non-recyclable products especially in the food industryImagine that pile of rubbish pictured creating a corresponding mountain of tax revenue from whomever is unnecessarily putting non-recyclable materials into the supply chain. In Germany, the supermarkets themselves have bins near the checkout area into which customers are tacitly invited to place their unwanted packaging items for the retailers to dispose of. We need to minimise the use of non-recyclable packaging in retail, especially our fresh food. I used to work at a labelling factory: there are other viable ways of packaging, tagging, labelling and barcoding products that do not entail use of non-recyclable products. Nor is there any need for food retailers to ask customers to use plastic bags to package products such as loose vegetables in for weighing at tills (they need to be transparent for the person on the till to identify what they're weighing). It used to be that loose items would be weighed by staff in the same way as at their delis, where barcoded labels would be produced for the till staff to scan at checkout. More recyclable products - not film, tetrapack, or anything else that is not widely recyclable - should be used. I also want to see a ban on the use of any non-recyclable disposable gloves used in food retailer outlets such as a well known sandwich retailer, whose staff seem to change gloves each time they touch meat and are then trained to put on new gloves when they make another sandwich: there must be a better way. Retailers could be taxed for the amount of packaging waste they put into the system , and for the amount of non-recyclable packaging they are bringing into the system from their plants and the products they bulk buy and sell on. This would reduce non-biodegradable waste in landfill, and encourage reduction of unnecessary packaging - I don't want film around a DVD or a cucumber - which are uniform in price anyway - so that the supermarket can put a barcode on that rather than the products directly. The UK should especially given the Brexit choice, prioritise innovation in packaging technology that could be sold to the world instead of perpetuating the inertia that seems to plague politicians on green issues (possibly for fear of upsetting sectors that lobby and contribute to the economy, and perhaps also donate to political parties). For example Amazon have reduced their non-recyclable packaging (although they do not apparently pay enough tax): we should take the principles and positive elements of what such global corporations do and apply them more widely, and look into other countries' green packaging solutions. Ministers should stop their myopia and short-termist electioneering campaigns over-focusing on natural greed and our desire to preserve individual wealth, and look at ways to boost our economy, further the manufacture and use of green technologies, reduce waste in landfill and increase tax revenue from the massive national and international corporations controlling our food industry and pricing. The reality is that all the larger supermarkets are trying to convince us that they are ethical and have a corporate social responsibility, and this would be a good way of demonstrating that they mean it. Not everyone I know on social media has awareness of green organisations trying to further this project as a common aim, but would support the idea of such a tax: even if they do not believe in recycling, the vast majority would like to have less recycling to do, and would agree with there being fewer non-recyclables in the supply chain and the notion that corporations should be paying more tax. Green issues and tax revenues affect us all - many excuse their failure to recycle because they say our species is hurtling toward its doom in any event. It is exactly that sort of attitude that is damaging our world: we should expend our energy on ways to save ourselves instead: if we can get to the moon why can't we stop over-relying on non-recyclable packaging?481 of 500 SignaturesCreated by Jennifer Blyth
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Anglesey Says No to PylonsThis petition is relevant to all rural communities who face new electricity transmission lines due to the growth of nuclear and renewable energy Anglesey is a rural, island community in North Wales, with a small population. Income and house prices are well below the national average. Agriculture and tourism are vital to the local economy. We oppose National Grid’s proposal due to the impact on: 1 - The landscape - which will adversely affect tourism 2 - Property prices - which will not be compensated 3 - Health - there is growing evidence of adverse effects of electro-magnetic fields (EMFs) 4 - Farming - leading agricultural organisations are opposed If Ofgem considered these impacts, National Grid would use underground or subsea cables. This petition is relevant to all rural communities who face new electricity transmission lines due to the growth of nuclear and renewable energy Mae Ynys Môn yn gymuned wledig yng ngogledd Cymru, gyda phoblogaeth fechan. Mae Incwm lleol a phrisiau tai yn llawer is na'r cyfartaledd cenedlaethol. Mae amaethyddiaeth a thwristiaeth yn hanfodol i'r economi leol. Rydym yn gwrthwynebu'r cynnig y Grid Cenedlaethol oherwydd yr effaith ar: 1 - Ddirwedd yr Ynys - a fydd yn cael effaith andwyol ar dwristiaeth 2 - Prisiau eiddo - ni fydd yn cael ei digolledu 3 - Iechyd - ceir tystiolaeth gynyddol o effeithiau andwyol o feysydd electromagnetig (EMFs) 4 - Ffermio -Mae'r prif sefydliadau amaethyddol yn gwrthwynebu peilonau Petal Ofgem yn ystyried yr effeithiau hyn, byddai Grid Cenedlaethol yn defnyddio ceblau tanddaear neu tanfor14,097 of 15,000 SignaturesCreated by Jonathan Dean
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Condemn Donald Trump for pulling out of Paris climate agreementThis is an international problem, which met with an international solution - and Britain must join the international condemnation of America's terrible, selfish decision. We do not want to live in a world dominated by bullies. We do not want to live in a Britain too scared to do anything America doesn't want. We demand leadership that makes us proud to be British. If Theresa May cannot condemn America's decision to condemn our planet, will she ever stand up for anything? British people stand up for others, and we stand up for what we believe in. We do not want a Prime Minister who licks the boots of the American president. Theresa May must show strong leadership and sign the international letter condemning Donald Trump and his abandonment of the Paris agreement.9,439 of 10,000 SignaturesCreated by The Big Deal
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Solar panels for new built houses / properties, and any tax eliminated on Solar panelsWith such plans, long term energy payback will be reduced to businesses and home owners, excess energy, can be shared by all in the U.K with reduced energy bills for all..14 of 100 SignaturesCreated by carl penn
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Abandon the sale of the EcoHouse and heritage school in Western ParkWe, the Leicester public, are rapidly losing our green spaces – 6 acres of allotments off Saffron Lane were sold last year. The Western Park golf course has been closed down, Oadby golf course is for sale as are 14 acres off Loughborough Road, 5 acres on Abbey Meadows and now 5 acres in Western Park. Without parks, where will our children learn to play football or ride bicycles? Will they have to pay an entrance fee? Where will we walk our dogs and breathe unpolluted air? We see our heritage privatised or gentrified, too. The Castle and its gardens, Wyggeston House, the City Rooms, the Pavillion in Western Park, Belgrave House, Braunstone Hall and now the rare surviving example of an Open Air School in Western Park. Heritage City, accessible only to those who can afford it? We say enough! Both the EcoHouse and the Open Air School are our heritage. Both were shining examples of progressive thinking, highlighting 'the way forward' in terms of public wellbeing and the health of the planet that sustains us. Clean air is a human right. The Council has Clean Air and Low Carbon policies. We want to see these put into practice - meaning the sell-off and building up of our green spaces has got to stop. As things stand, 20 houses will be constructed on the EcoHouse site. The heavily used carpark will be lost. Years of building upheaval will follow, as will the permanent transfer of our assets and park land into private pockets. This short term thinking - papering over the cracks of outdated 'economy first, people second' politics - is harmful to our rights and to the long term future of our city. Leicester City Council have no management plan for Western Park beyond 2016. Does this bode the sell-off of all of our beloved park? We, the people of Leicester, say no more selling off of our crown jewels! Our Mayor has pledged to build strong, resilient communities – how will he do this, if no space remains where those communities can come together? There are long term alternatives that put people and the future of our city before short term cash. Leicester City Council, put your pretty policies into practice, please.1,337 of 2,000 SignaturesCreated by Michaela Smith
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Open letter & petition to local landownersOPEN LETTER TO LANDOWNERS In June/July 2016 a company known as Tesla Exploration International Limited carried out a 3D seismic survey on behalf of Aurora Energy Resources Limited, the holders of PEDLs (Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences) 164 and 261. The areas covered by these PEDLs are shown on the attached official maps issued by the Oil & Gas Authority, from which it will be noted that bordering on PEDL 164 is PEDL 262, also licensed to Aurora and PEDL 165 licensed to Cuadrilla. On their website, Aurora state: “The North West has a long history of oil & gas exploration and production stretching back over 70 years. Many local residents will remember the oil wells near Formby. The recent recognition by the British Geological Survey of the potential for significant gas resources in northern England provides an opportunity to open a new chapter in the hydrocarbon story of the region.” and on their old website they said: “The company’s largely contiguous, 100% licence holding, puts Aurora in a strong position to play a leading role in the further appraisal of what is widely expected to be Europe's first commercially developed shale gas province.” In response to our enquiries Aurora’s MD Ian Roche has now advised: “As previously indicated, Aurora expect to bring forward proposals for future exploration at some point in 2017. Prior to any planning application being submitted, we will hold a public information event about the proposed development, the feedback from which will inform our application.” Therefore, their intention is clear that they plan to submit planning application(s) soon for exploratory drilling for shale gas (“fracking”) within their PEDLs. Once land has been acquired, UK law allows drilling to take place without requiring the landowner’s consent. The Infrastructure Act 2015 removed the requirement for companies to obtain your permission to drill under your land/property at depths of 300 metres or more from the surface. In addition, mineral rights do not belong to landowners in UK, they belong to the State. You will have seen in the press the events that are unfolding on the Fylde where Cuadrilla, holders of PEDL 165 (a much larger area directly to the north of PEDL 164). Despite legal challenges by the community against the Secretary of State’s decision to allow their appeal, Cuadrilla is continuing to construct a well-pad. There is growing evidence and information available about the consequences for communities subjected to fracking in the USA and Australia and other countries. We have attached a list of internet links to news articles and peer-reviewed studies for your attention. You may also wish to read this article from the Guardian relating to a farmer in Shropshire: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/17/dont-allow-fracking-farmer-allowed-coal-methane-borehole You will note that Mr Hickson bitterly regrets signing an agreement to allow exploratory drilling on his land: “I very much regret signing anything. I would never ever go into this kind of agreement again. As a farmer or landowner, you have the most to lose. I would say to anyone approached, please don’t let anyone drill on your land [to extract coal bed methane and gas by fracking shale].” Before a planning application can be submitted, it will be necessary for Aurora (or any company that acquires Aurora’s interest in these PEDLs) to lease or buy land for their exploration. It is for this reason that we send this letter to you signed by groups of people who have done their own research and as a result of which they are totally opposed to fracking taking place anywhere, not just in Lancashire/Merseyside. We ask for your kind consideration of this letter should you be approached by Aurora, or any company on their behalf, to acquire or lease your land. Signed: Halsall Against Fracking Frack Free Formby Frack Free Burscough Frack Free Southport Frack Free Lancashire393 of 400 SignaturesCreated by Simon Maxwell
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Remove additional business rates for solar panels.A likely response by government is that the country could not afford it. The reality is the country and the world in general cannot afford to ignore this issue. Calculations based on a range of scientific studies over past decades (for summary see Ward, 2007) suggest a dangerous tipping point around 2040. This is the point where atmospheric CO2 will reach a concentration of 450 ppm if the world continues on its current trajectory. This danger point is where the IEA450 guideline gets its name. It is where an ocean conveyor (main ocean current) shutdown is predicted to happen due to the preferential warming of the Polar Regions. The consequences of this scenario cannot be treated lightly – this is serious. If this event takes place then the oceans become stagnant and everything dies. Anaerobic (requiring no oxygen) microorganisms grow by feeding off the rotting marine carcasses. In the process this generates huge quantities of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) which ultimately poisons the atmosphere and kills everything on land as well. This was the mechanism for four out of the five great mass extinctions in the geological past. I make no apologies for this statement. The world’s leaders really must look up and take note, and we in the UK must play our part. Reference: Ward PD, (2007), “Under a Green Sky”, Harper-Collins.65 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Jim Austin
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Urgent. Save an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Leith Hill, Surrey.As an AONB, drilling for oil here would destroy this woodland and it's natural history habitat. But not only would the area of woodland be lost the access to the area is by minor roads, so the surrounding area may also be lost and destroyed as no doubt access roads and other infrastructure would be built to enable the recovery of oil. At the moment there is a peaceful protest group ( Leith Hill Protection Camp) on site to prevent the drilling, but they have a High Court Judgement for eviction against them pending. When this is acted on there is no other form of prevention for drilling. Please act now!2,226 of 3,000 SignaturesCreated by Malcolm Padgham
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