Britain halts fracking

The British government yesterday called a halt to the controversial process of “fracking” due to fears it could trigger earthquakes in a surprise U-turn just weeks before a general election where environmental issues are expected to feature prominently. Until now, Britain had hoped that fracking -- banned in many countries, but booming in the United States -- could help secure its future energy independence. According to the National Audit Office, opposition among Britons has risen to 40 percent from 21 percent since 2013.