Anti-shale gas alliance demands 10-year moratorium

MONCTON – The New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance is demanding a 10-year moratorium on shale gas development.

“This is the minimum standard where we will hold our political parties,” said Jim Emberger, a spokesperson for the group, noting 10 years should be enough time to better understand the industry’s impact on the environment.

Until then, they want all existing licenses cancelled.

Opponents of shale gas exploration are concerned about the impact on the environment, particularly on water supplies.

Bob Pickett of the Corn Hill Area Residents’ Association said people need to stand together to fight the industry.

“I think we’ve reached a milestone here where the 30-some groups in New Brunswick have come together and decided to take a firm stand,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I think we've reached a milestone here where the 30-some groups in New Brunswick have come together and decided to take a firm stand," he said.

Megan Mitton of the Tantramar Alliance Against Hydro-Fracking said the province should look at other options to boost the economy.

“I do think lots of young people would like to have secure jobs, sustainable jobs,” she said. “I think investing in green technology is the way to do that.”

The leader of the New Brunswick Green Party, David Coon wants an “absolute ban on shale gas extraction.”

New Brunswickers are set to head to the polls on Sept. 22. The groups are hoping parties will “take it into consideration when they draw up their party platforms.”

“What we want to say we’re setting a standard here and we’d alike for you all to sign onto the same things that we have as a united front,” Emberger said.

The Alliance is also rejecting two upcoming reports they say are too “narrow in scope.” The reports are by Environment Canada and the US Environmental Protection Agency.