From IOW planning. It's not to late to add you comment. https://publicaccess.iow.gov.uk/online-appli30 Jul 2020 21:17
I fully support this application.
Oil and gas has to be mined where it is found and Arreton already has a known source of hydrocarbons.
UK Oil and Gas Plc. has a proven track record of responsible, safe and professional facilities management. They are currently producing oil and gas from a site at Horse Hill in Surrey in a manner that is safe and sympathetic to the environment and location. They have the transferable expertise that can, and is being applied to this applicaion.
The United Kingdom has a long history of importing Oil and Gas. Importing hydrocarbons is both detrimental to our balance of payments and adversely affects the environment due to the impact of shipping activities over long distances. Those same ships no doubt pass close by the Isle of Wight, belching out their exhaust fumes as they make there way around the coast of the United Kingdom, steaming to ports and refineries to discharge their cargo. Frequently other countries do not employ or monitor the same stringent health, safety and environmental parameters, as we do in the United Kingdom, in their own production and exploration activities.
Here is an opportunity for the good people of the Isle of Wight, who are significant and persistent users of oil and gas (and products derived from oil and gas) to show their support for a UK based industry, and activities of a UK company.
If the people of the North East of England can safely negotiate the implementation of potash mining (Sirius Minerals PLc) in an area as sensitive as the North Yorkshire moors for the benefit of the UK economy, then the population of the Isle of Wight can also shoulder a share of the load by exercising their generosity in supporting this application and navigating a satisfactory route for approval. In this case the exploration of the economic value and potential of the Arreton hydrocarbon resource.
The UK may well have a carbon zero target for 2050, but the need for hyrdocarbons remains for the forseable future as the economy changes course, not just for fuels but also for the hydrcarbon based materials that are required for manufacturing of alternative energy providing equipment.
UK Oil and Gas Plc has made it clear their intention is to work with the local population to minimise any adverse impact. There are no grounds to prejudge their intentions.
The Isle of Wight enjoys many diverse activities including agriculture with machines driven by hydrocarbons. The annual power boat race uses fuels made from hydrocarbons. Power and sailing boats manufactured with materials derived from, and driven by, hydrocarbons are supported by a massive base of enthusiasts and tourists who are consumers of hydrocarbons before, during and after their nautical hobbies and related events. No doubt they are protected by the excellent crews of the boats belonging to the RNLI whose craft are made from, and powered by, the same hydrocarbons.
Please do not use the smoke screen of local views on biosphere