RE:RE:Half billion lawsuit direct to the storyYou're correct that the Newfoundland and Labrador government initially implemented a "pause" on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to conduct further research and public consultations. In 2014, the government appointed the Newfoundland and Labrador Hydraulic Fracturing Review Panel to assess the socio-economic and environmental implications of fracking in Western Newfoundland. The panel conducted public consultations and released its final report in May 2016, recommending that the moratorium remain in effect until further studies were completed.
NLHFRP However, since the release of the panel's report, there has been limited publicly available information indicating that the government has undertaken additional research or studies on fracking. This lack of further action has led to concerns among stakeholders about the indefinite nature of the "pause" and its impact on potential resource development in the province.
The distinction between a "pause" and a "ban" is significant. A "pause" suggests a temporary halt pending further investigation, while a "ban" indicates a permanent prohibition. The government's decision to implement a "pause" rather than a formal ban may have been a strategic move to allow flexibility for future policy decisions. However, the absence of subsequent research or policy development has effectively resulted in a prolonged moratorium on fracking activities in the province.