(Fredericton, NB) — The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is congratulating Premier Brian Gallant for his strong leadership and commitment to protect New Brunswickers and our water by imposing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in the province.
“We’re proud of Premier Brian Gallant and his cabinet for standing firm to protect water and clean air,” said Stephanie Merrill, Freshwater Protection Program coordinator with the Conservation Council. “Placing a moratorium on shale gas development shows that Premier Gallant is serious about protecting the environment, particularly our water.”
The Conservation Council was among the first organizations in the province to raise awareness around the potential health and environmental risks associated with hydraulic fracturing, a process which uses large amounts of water mixed with chemicals to break up shale rock formations and release natural gas reserves held below ground.
CCNB’s Freshwater Protection Program spearheaded grassroots opposition to the practice, prompting one of the broadest and widest-ranging coalitions in the province’s recent history, a support network that included First Nations, doctors, scientists, clergy, labour unions, municipal politicians, farmers, and more.
“The conditions placed on the moratorium are strongly worded and significant,” said Merrill. “It gives us time to develop clean energy jobs instead of being under constant pressure from the fossil fuel lobby.”
“The premier’s announcement heralds a new day for New Brunswick,” said Lois Corbett, Executive Director of the Conservation Council. “Today, we’re celebrating this milestone for progressive environmental and economic policy.”
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To arrange an interview, contact:
Jon MacNeill, Communications Officer | 458-8747 | 261-1353 | jon.macneill@conservationcouncil.ca