Hampton Water First, a group that has been critical against shale gas development, is shocked and disappointed with the Natural Resources Minister.
Minister Bruce Northrup says he is legally obligated to grant a five-year lease to Windsor Energy to explore for shale gas, even though he tried to have the company charged last year for conducting testing in Sussex and along a highway within Quispamsis town limits without the consent of either town council.
The minister says the Calgary-based company fulfilled all the commitments set out under their previous three-year license granted by the previous government.Chris Rendell tells CHSJ News Minister Northrup has said time and time again to trust him with shale gas file but this latest development shows the province's lack of control over shale gas development.
He believes it reveals Northurp's lack of willingness to enforce existing regulations.
Rendell says our province needs to address 3 key items if it wants to retain control -- strong regulations, a willingness to enforce them, and expertise within government to get it done.
