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Charity hits out at govt fracking decision
Exploring the potential for gas wells in Manx waters would directly undermine the Island's unique environmental status.
That's the message from Isle of Man Friends of the Earth.
It says the drilling method used to extract fossil fuels DOES amount to fracking - a term government has distanced itself from in referring to hydraulic fracturing.
The DED recently said it will hold a tender process for the exploration and drilling for gas under the seabed in Manx waters.
Friends of the Earth has launched an online petition in protest - Falk Horning from the group says government is threatening the Isle of Man's designation as a UNESCO Biosphere: