House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee

The Environmental Audit Committee looks at the environmental impact of all government departments and non-departmental public bodies. Established in 1997 as part of the incoming Labour government's manifesto it audits performance against any sustainable development and environmental protection targets. 
Unlike most select committees, the Committee’s remit cuts across government rather than focuses on the work of a particular government department. House of Commons Select Committees Environmental Audit Committee - role 
The current chair is Labour MP Huw Irranca-Davies, who was elected in June 2015. Winning candidates for select committee Chairs announced, www.parliament.co.uk, 18 June 2015 
==Fracking inquiry==
In 2015 the committee heard evidence from the shale gas industry as part of its parliamentary inquiry into the environmental risks of fracking.
During its hearings Committee chair Joan Walley asked head of the new industry-funded Task Force on Shale Gas, Lord Chris Smith, if he would press the government to release an unredacted version of a report it released under Freedom of Information laws in mid-2014 into the impacts on rural communities. Lord Smith said he was committed to openness and would write to the government on the matter. 
===Fracking moratorium===
Members of the EAC who voted for a moratorium on fracking for shale gas in January 2015:
*Labour’s Joan Walley, Martin Caton, Katy Clark, Mark Lazarowicz and Alan Whitehead, the Conservative Zac Goldsmith and the Green Party's Caroline Lucas Full list of MPs available at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm150126/debtext/150126-0002.htm Hansard], 27 January 2015 
==Activities==
In the 2005-2010 Parliament, the Committee’s programme included inquiries on climate change and environmental fiscal measures (‘green taxation’), as well as sustainable development and environmental protection. House of Commons Select Committees Environmental Audit Committee - role 
==People==
===June 2015===
Member 	Party
*Huw Irranca-Davies (Chair) 	Labour
*Peter Aldous 	Conservative
*Caroline Ansell 	Conservative
*Jo Churchill 	Conservative
*Zac Goldsmith 	Conservative
*Margaret Greenwood 	Labour
*Luke Hall 	Conservative
*Carolyn Harris 	Labour
*Peter Heaton-Jones 	Conservative
*Peter Lilley 	Conservative
*Caroline Lucas 	Green Party
*Holly Lynch 	Labour
*John McNally Scottish National Party
*Rebecca Pow 	Conservative
*Jeff Smith 	Labour
*Rory Stewart 	Conservative 
*Mary Creagh Labour 
*Geraint Davies Labour Co-op 
===2010-May 2015===
Joan Walley MP was elected by the House to be the Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee on 9 June 2010. The remaining members were appointed to the Committee on 26 July 2010.
*Joan Walley (Chair) Labour
*Peter Aldous 	Conservative
*Richard Benyon (ex-officio) Conservative
*Neil Carmichael 	Conservative
*Martin Caton 	Labour
*Katy Clark 	Labour
*Zac Goldsmith 	Conservative
*Simon Kirby 	Conservative
*Mark Lazarowicz 	Labour/Co-operative
*Caroline Lucas 	Green
*Ian Murray 	Labour
*Sheryll Murray 	Conservative
*Caroline Nokes	Conservative
*Mark Spencer 	Conservative
*Dr Alan Whitehead 	Labour
*Simon Wright 	Liberal Democrat
 House of Commons Select Committees, Environmental Audit Committee - membership, accessed 10 November 2010. 
==Resources==
==Notes==
Category:ClimateCategory:Fracking