NZ announces fracking investigation
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New Zealand’s environmental watchdog has announced an investigation into the consequences of the controversial mining method known as fracking.
Parliamentary commissioner for the environment Dr Jan Wright says there is a strong case for an official investigation into hydraulic fracturing, where high-pressure injections of water, sand and chemicals are used to fracture underground rock to release oil and gas.
The Green Party says New Zealanders should be worried about the consequences of fracking, which overseas studies have linked to water contamination, health problems and earthquakes.
The New South Wales Government has extended its fracking ban until April until a review on potential risks is complete.
Western Australia, however, allows shale gas fracking.
The New Zealand inquiry will report to parliament by the end of the year.
Topics:mining-environmental-issues, mining-rural, environment, new-zealand