On Air Now Non Stop Music Midnight - 7:00am Maroon 5 - Memories Schedule

ExxonMobil Reacts To Quigley CO2 Pipeline Concerns

ExxonMobil has released a statement after an Isle of Wight MP wrote to the government to raise concerns about the company's Solent CO2 pipeline.

In a public statement announced yesterday, Richard Quigley, for IW West, said he had written to the secretary of state for energy security and net zero’s parliamentary private secretary to air his concerns and “understand” the “government’s official position”.

Ed Miliband MP, the secretary of state for energy security and net zero since July 5, has overall responsibility for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – a branch of government tasked with the security of the UK’s long-term energy supply, lowering bills and achieving net zero which means reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions to effectively zero.

Mr Quigley has also “raised the issue” in writing with Bill Esterson MP, the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee’s newly appointed chair.

The Energy Security and Net Zero Committee provides scrutiny of the policy, spending and management of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero as well as public bodies such as Ofgem and the Committee on Climate Change.

Mr Quigley said:

“There has been considerable public concern and growing opposition to ExxonMobil’s Solent CO2 pipeline proposal.

“As MP for Isle of Wight West, I have already received large volumes of correspondence relating to the matter and continue to receive objections daily.

“I have made my opposition to the proposal clear, and I will continue to oppose the plans.

“The proposed route would see the pipeline run from the refinery at Fawley and cut directly through the Island’s landcape (in Isle of Wight West).

“The proposed route and technology raise significant safety and practical concerns.

“It is also likely to cause long-lasting and potentially irreversible damage to the Island’s lanscape and wildlife.”

An ExxonMobil spokesperson said:

“We are committed to engaging with local communities and stakeholders, including MPs, to ensure their views are heard as we move forward.
 
“CCS is a proven and essential technology for reducing emissions, recognised by the UK Government and independent experts as crucial for achieving net zero by 2050.”

More from Isle of Wight News