Campaign Against Solent CO2 Pipeline Gathers Momentum

The campaign against ExxonMobil’s Solent CO2 Pipeline is “out of the starting blocks” after a Brighstone meeting yesterday evening.

Hosted by Councillor Claire Critichison for Chale, Niton and Shorwell, Councillor Nick Stuart and the starter of the petition opposing the pipeline, Christopher Davis, the meeting at St Mary’s Church nominated IOW Call to Action’s steering committee.

The committee will set the campaign’s “strategic direction” and help “raise awareness” of what is at stake in contrast to ExxonMobil’s “PR campaign”, according to Cllr Stuart.

Committee nominees were decided on the basis of who was at the meeting yesterday and whether they have “something to offer”, he said.

Christopher Davis was elected as chairman due to his lack of political partisanship, Cllr Stuart added.

The representative for Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet on the Isle of Wight Council was keen to emphasis IOW Call to Action is a “cross-party” initiative.

ExxonMobil has decided to extend its consultation on the pipeline, which it is holding with “local communities” and “stakeholders”, until 6pm on September 30.

Responding to how he felt about the campaign following the meeting, Cllr Stuart said: “Pretty optimistic really – there were a lot of discussions and arguments about the approach and how we go forward – there was quite a long meeting in that sense and we made sure everybody had there say.”

Paul Larner, another attendee, said:

“Having attended the initial CO2 Pipeline opposition, steering group meeting yesterday evening, I can say with confidence that we are finally out of the starting blocks.

“The steering committee will be meeting next week to determine the direction and priorities for the campaign.

“Part of this process will require Government receiving large scale objection from residents and businesses across the Island.

“The steering committee will give clear direction regarding how to effectively raise valid objections with your local MP and also direct to the Secretary of State.”

ExxonMobil has previously said:

“As part of our commitment to following the Development Consent Order (DCO) process as set out by the UK Government, we are currently inviting local communities and stakeholders – via our consultation – to help us shape this project, particularly in choosing the pipeline’s path.

“We recognise that there is a range of views on the project, but if we are to ensure the UK continues to have the vital heating, transport fuels, and products that people rely on every day, while at the same time lowering emissions, it is recognised by the UK Government and independent experts alike that CCS technology will play a critical role.

“Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a proven technology that has seen underground pipelines safely deployed around the world for more than fifty years, with ExxonMobil itself operating hundreds of miles of pipeline.”

The corporation has been approached for further comment.