UK Government proposes law for easier shale-gas drilling

The new bill has been announced by Queen Elizabeth II during a speech outlining the nation’s legislative plans for the next year.

Bloomberg cited Elizabeth as saying that the bill would be projected to "enhance the U.K.’s energy independence and security by opening up access to shale and geothermal sites".

The UK Onshore Operators Group said that the proposed legislation will have "no noticeable effect on the lives of home and property owners" and allows the sector to be in line with the mining industry.

Communities will be provided with £20,000 ($34,000) per unique lateral well drilled for more than 200m.

"It serves no-one if an anomaly in the legal system allows the few to block access to much needed natural resources that lie deep below the surface of the U.K. and can benefit the whole of the country," the UK Onshore Operators Group said.

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