Around 35 campaigners have demonstrated outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay this afternoon, to oppose fracking in Wales.
The event was organised by Frack-Free Wales, after the Chancellor George Osborne signalled his support for the controversial method of extracting shale gas in last month's Budget.
Frack-Free Wales' plans for today's demonstration began after the Chancellor signalled the UK Government's support for fracking in last month's Budget.
– George Osborne, Chancellor, in his Budget speechI also want Britain to tap into new sources of low cost energy like shale gas.
So I am introducing a generous new tax regime, including a shale gas field allowance, to promote early investment.
And by the summer, new planning guidance will be available alongside specific proposals to allow local communities to benefit.
Shale gas is part of the future. And we will make it happen.
Watch: Fightback after Chancellor signals support for fracking
Around 200 campaigners are expected to protest outside the Senedd later against so-called 'fracking' in Wales.
Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping high pressure fluids into shale rock to recover gas and oil.
Campaigners 'Frack-Free Wales' say they have "grave environmental concerns" that the methods "are unsafe to our future generations."
They are planning to hand in a letter, addressed to the First Minister Carwyn Jones.
It is thought there is a substantial amount of gas under parts of South Wales.
The most controversial fracking issue here has centred around an application to test drill for shale gas at Llandow in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Campaigners opposed to fracking are writing to First Minister Carwyn Jones and Prime Minister David Cameron to highlight their worries after the Chancellor signalled his support for the industry in yesterday's Budget.
It is thought there is a substantial amount of gas under parts of South Wales, and many local people are concerned about the controversial way it is extracted.
Those representing oil and gas operators have welcomed George Osborne's comments.
Hannah Thomas has been listening to both sides of the argument.
The controversial fracking process involves fluid being forced down a hole in the ground, fracturing the rock and releasing gas.
Anti-fracking campaigners in Wales say they'll write to First Minister Carwyn Jones and Prime Minister David Cameron to voice concerns after yesterday's Budget.
It follows Chancellor George Osborne's announcement that he wants to encourage the shale gas industry in the UK with a "generous" new tax regime.
'Frack-Free Wales' claims the process is unsafe, and is campaigning against exploratory drilling in Wales.
Evidence will be given to the Environment and Sustainability Committee later on a controversial method of shale gas extraction more commonly known as fracking.
Those giving evidence include the environmental lobby group Friends of the Earth Cymru, and the group applying to test drill in south Wales UK Onshore Gas Limited.
The Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru is expected to promote the focus on renewable energy over the use of fracking.
– Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth CymruTo protect Wales from climate catastrophe we must impose a moratorium on unconventional gas extraction, as has already happened elsewhere in Europe. And we should move as swiftly as possible to a Wales powered by 100% renewable energy, providing tens of thousands of jobs in the booming green economy.
A public meeting's been held in Cardiff to discuss the possible consequences of testing for shale gas around the South Wales coastline. If successful, the tests could lead to a controversial process known as fracking. Hannah Thomas reports.
Campaigners against a controversial method of gas extraction say they will continue to fight, after the UK Government gave the go-ahead for fracking at a site in Lancashire today.
A number of sites in the Vale of Glamorgan have previously been ear marked for testing to see if shale gas is buried underground. David Wood reports
Energy Minister Ed Davey has spoken to ITV about the UK Government's decision to go ahead with gas exploration in Lancashire using hydraulic fracturing. He says communities should be reassured. Just because a company says it wants to go 'fracking' doesn't mean it will go 'fracking'.
