MP reacts to ExxonMobil scrapping Isle of Wight pipeline

As previously reported by the County Press, the multinational oil and gas giant ExxonMobil has abandoned its proposal to transport CO2 from Fawley to a storage site beneath the English Channel.

• Read more: ExxonMobil scraps plans for Isle of Wight fuel pipeline

ExxonMobil's Fawley refinery (Image: ExxonMobil) Two of the three proposed pipelines would have been in Mr Quigley’s constituency in IW West.

Mr Quigley told the County Press: “This is good news for the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, it's also a testament to the communities that pulled together to oppose the pipeline.

“The Island may seem insignificant to ExxonMobil, but we don't roll over easily. The proposal was only ever for the benefit of Exxon.

“The Island will be very pleased it isn't going ahead.”

Earlier this evening (Thursday, October 3), ExxonMobil pointed the finger at the government in a statement condemning them for policy uncertainty.

A spokesperson said: ‘’As a result of the continued lack of government policy certainty and timelines, ExxonMobil will not proceed with the appraisal of CO2 storage opportunities in the English Channel and associated transportation at this time.”

• Read the full statement on the County Press website HERE

ExxonMobil's Fawley refinery (Image: Stephen Bath) ExxonMobil’s decision to scrap its controversial plan follows significant public backlash on the Island and in the New Forest.

Last month, the IW Council unanimously opposed the proposal in a full council vote spearheaded by councillors Nick Stuart and Claire Critchison. 

Mr Quigley, who also serves as councillor of Cowes North, was one of the many councillors vocally against the plan.