Oil Free Wellington Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Is Todd Energy reacting to protests?

While Todd Energy is still one of the largest fracking companies in New Zealand their sale of the retail branch, NOVA energy, looks like a feeble response to recent protests and public pressure.

Spokesperson James Barber says, "protests in Taranaki and Wellington this year and last year have drawn public attention to the sale of fracked gas through NOVA Energy. Oil Free Wellington is wondering whether the Todd corporation is trying to distance itself by selling its retail company while maintaining fracking operations in the Taranaki region."

He continues,"we condemn Genesis energy for profiting from fracked gas which recent studies show is as bad for the climate as coal, due to leakage during the fracking process, and pose risks to locals and the local environment. The recent fireball of gas during a botched flaring operation in April is just one example of the risks faced by Taranaki locals."

Studies have shown that methane leakage has a severe effect on climate change, making the fuel source as bad as coal, and is a regular problem with fracking operations. *

James continues, "in order to prevent catastrophic climate change we have to halt all fossil fuel exploration and keep a third of what we've already found in the ground. Fossil fuel businesses cannot continue."

"The government must work with unions and workers to achieve a just transition for workers in the fossil fuel industry."

Oil Free Wellington stands in solidarity with local groups in Taranaki, such as Clean Energy Watch and Climate Justice Taranaki, which are facing fracking and further exploration in their region.

* https://www.nature.com, "Nature Climate Change" 2012 Shale gas can be double edged sword for climate change, Deyi Hou, Jian Luo and Abir Al-Tabbaa

ENDS

© Scoop Media