Nova Scotia has named nine independent expert panelists to consider the effects of hydraulic fracturing in the Province. The eight men and one woman on the panel are mandated to examine the social, economic, environmental and health impacts of hydraulic fracturing. They include a geologist, medical specialist, environmental scientist, a water quality expert, and a member of a Nova Scotia First Nation, among others.
The Province previously abandoned its own internal review of hydraulic fracturing after claims its staff were not independent. That work, which included identifying and analyzing environmental and health issues as well as best practices, was handed over to the new independent panel.
The Chair of the panel claims it will be rigorously independent and evidence led. After hearing from the other experts and the public, the panel will report to the Nova Scotia Department of Energy in the Spring of 2014.
This post was written by Alan Harvie (alan.harvie@nortonrosefulbright.com or +1 403.267.9411) from Norton Rose Fulbright's Calgary Energy Practice Group.
