Brussels, 21/11/2012 (Agence Europe) - The principle of precaution must preside over any resumption of the exploration and exploitation of shale gas and oil shale in the countries of the EU which wish to do so, and in any case, this exploitation should be supported by regimes of solid rules, states the European Parliament. The member states must also be “cautious” when it comes to authorising the exploitation of non-conventional fossil fuels, pending the analysis which will determine whether the European regulation is appropriate, the MEPs state. In other words, it will be up to the European Union to lay down rules to guarantee environmental protection and high levels of safety.
The resolution on the environmental impact of these extraction activities, which was adopted by the European Parliament on Tuesday by a very large majority (562 votes in favour, 86 against and 43 abstentions), is an invitation to prudence, but gives the member states the green light for exploitation by leaving out the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing hoped for by the greenest MEPs (see EUROPE 10734). The amendment to this effect presented by several political groups was rejected by 391 votes (262 in favour, 37 abstentions).
The most important message is the approach based on the principle of precaution and the opportunity shale gas has to become commercially viable. The Parliament is sending out a clear signal: the extraction of shale gas is safe for the environment and public health as long as environmental and safety standards are respected, stressed the rapporteur, Bogus³aw Sonik (EPP, Poland).
The Parliament wants specific plans related to the use of water to accompany all hydraulic fracturing activities and for the water to be recycled as much as possible. The MEPs are also calling for companies to declare what chemicals are used, in order to observe European legislation.
Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for the Environment, welcomed the vote, stressing the sensitive nature of the dossier. “It is clear that the future development of shale gas will depend on the extent of public acceptance of hydraulic fracturing. Addressing health and environmental risks will be of paramount importance for the industry to gain broad public acceptance and a 'Public license to operate' in Europe. Our challenge is to make the right and balanced choices”, he said. He went on to announce the Commission's intention to present next year “a framework to manage risks, address regulatory shortcomings, and to provide maximum clarity and predictability to market operators and citizens across the EU”. (AN/transl.fl)