Western Australia's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended approval for the Valhalla fracking project in the Kimberley region. Bennett Resources, part of US-based Black Mountain Energy, aims to drill up to 20 gas wells in the Canning Basin, about 123km from Derby. This move has sparked strong criticism due to environmental risks and climate pollution. Climate scientist Bill Hare warned that if developed as planned, Valhalla could increase Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 1.8–2.6%. The EPA's decision conflicts with a recent WA Labor vote to extend a fracking moratorium covering 98% of Western Australia. The Greens’ WA fossil fuels spokesperson, Sophie McNeill, called the approval "outrageous" and said it goes against overwhelming community opposition. She highlighted the Kimberley’s vast tropical savannah and its importance to the local $500 million tourism industry. An Independent Expert Scientific Committee report criticized Bennett Resources' environmental risk assessment as "limited and disjointed," finding their conclusions about water impacts "largely unsupported." Fracking, which involves pumping water, sand, and chemicals to extract gas, is controversial due to threats of water contamination. WA Premier Roger Cook said the EPA's recommendation is "not a green light for fracking," but indicated the decision might face appeals. Conservation Council of WA’s Matt Roberts called the decision "reckless," citing concerns about groundwater contamination and threats to endangered species like sawfish, ghost bats, and bilbies. Environs Kimberley director Martin Pritchard warned fracking would pollute water and harm rare wildlife and the Martuwarra Fitzroy River, a National Heritage site. He urged Premier Cook and Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn to reject the proposal, warning of political backlash if they do not. Minister Swinbourn said a 21-day public appeal period is open, and he will review the final advice after EPA and Appeals Convenor processes. The Valhalla project is also under federal environmental assessment. Black Mountain Energy’s executive chairman, Rhett Bennett, called the EPA report "an encouraging step forward" and expressed confidence in the project’s resource potential, promising to benefit all stakeholders.