To research the process and impact of Shale Gas production Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton is travelling to America. Next month Mr Hollinrake will be spending a week visiting sites around Pennsylvania where fracking is taking place. He is hoping to meet local residents, business owners and community representatives to hear their views.
Gas exploration company, Third Energy is seeking planning consent to hydraulically fracture their well near the village of Kirby Misperton, however, there has been intense local debate about the proposal.
Mr Hollinrake will be funding the trip himself. He appreciates the apprehension of local residents near the proposed site in Ryedale and wants to find out for himself what Americans living near Shale Gas wells have experienced.
"Many people have tried to look into what impact Shale Gas production has had in the USA but I am fortunate enough to be able to take myself there in person. I am doing this so I can see it first hand and get answers to my constituents’ questions.
I am going as an independent observer with an open mind. I hope to be able to hear from people employed in the industry and those whose lives have been affect by it. I want to see the economic, social and environmental effects for myself and for everyone in Ryedale to whom I am responsible.
This is one of the biggest issues for my constituency. I believe in doing as thorough research as possible in everything I do and I owe it to the people who have entrusted me to be their MP to find out all I can. We have to get any decision on fracking right."