Brussels, 23/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - The decision by the European Commission to go no further than minimum EU guidelines for assessing the environmental risks linked to the exploration and production of nonconventional hydrocarbons, such as shale gas and oils, is, by its very nature, pleasing to those member states that want to develop high volume hydraulic fracking t (Lithuania, Romania, Poland and the United Kingdom). Nonetheless, it would not be an exaggeration to say that this produced an outcry on Wednesday 22 January among environmental and health activists. European Commissioner for Environment, Janez Potocnik had defended a legislative proposal but was left having to eat his words.
A press release published by the British government explained that recognition of the important role of shale gas in reducing carbon emissions at a time that coal is being rejected is welcome. The European Parliament, however, was much more concerned. The Greens/EFA denounced an “unacceptable retreat” because the Commission recognises the shortcomings in EU legislation (impact on subterranean water, and n the availability of water resources, air quality and climate). The Greens are therefore calling for a moratorium on hydraulic fracking until European legislation has been able to adapt to these risks. Corine Lepage (ALDE, France) denounced the lobbying of industry that is similar to that exerted over GMOs. Gilles Pargneaux (S&D, France) criticised the fact that, despite the vote at Parliament on 9 October last in favour of strict regulations on shale gas related projects (see EUROPE 10939), the European Commission has come back once again, proposing a strange shale gas users' manual for European countries.
On Wednesday, a coalition of environmental and health protection NGOs (Friends of the Earth Europe, Food and Walter Europe, Health and Environment Alliance and SOS Rosia Montana) at the European Commission premises warned that “Europe is opening its doors to nonconventional dangerous and polluting fuels” and could subsequently expect a wave of local opposition to this development. These NGOs have denounced the intense lobbying by certain governments and sectors of industry.
Antoine Simon from the FoEE asserted that “Shale gas regulations have been fracked to pieces by corporations and fossil fuel-fixated governments”. Geert de Cock from Food &Water Europe drove this message home even further saying that the Commission proposal “fails to deliver the robust rules that the Commission's own impact assessment, the Parliament, opinion polls and the International Energy Agency have called for”. He warned that “the lack of courage by EU leaders to stand up to industry pressure will galvanise our campaign for a complete ban on fracking”.
The NGOs have accused the United Kingdom, Poland and Romania (supported by Hungary, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia) of having played a decisive role in undermining any draft legislation. They also deplored the support provided by José Manuel Barroso in this respect. At the most recent Environmental Council under Lithuanian presidency, Maiej Graboski, the Polish minister for the environment did not hide that a coalition of member states would form a common front against any legislative proposal (see EUROPE 10987). (AN/transl.fl)