UK halts fracking ahead of election; some want permanent ban

GREGORY KATZ Associated Press LONDON (AP) — The British government announced Saturday that it will no longer allow fracking because of new scientific analysis that casts doubts on the safety of the controversial practice, but some critics called the action an election stunt and demanded a permanent ban. The government said the decision was based on a finding by the Oil and Gas Authority that it is not possible to clearly predict the likelihood or severity of earthquakes linked to fracking operations. The decision to announce a moratorium on fracking means the government will no longer support its use of for shale gas extraction and planning proposals with fracking will not be moved forward. Business and Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom said the new scientific report makes clear that