France Bans Fracking for Shale Gas

[G_j]

http://thinkprogress.org/romm/2011/07/06/261878/france-bans-fracking-for-shale-gas/

France Bans Fracking for Shale Gas
By Stephen Lacey on Jul 6, 2011 at 2:47 pm

France has become the first country to ban fracking. The drilling technique has come under increased scrutiny due to a rapid increase in its use for the production of shale gas. Bloomberg reports:

Energy companies that plan to use fracking to produce oil and gas in France will have their permits revoked and its use could lead to fines and prison, according to the law passed by a vote of 176 in favor, 151 against by the senators in Paris.

Under the bill approved yesterday, companies with exploration permits will have two months to declare whether they intend to use hydraulic fracturing. If they do, their permits will be revoked.

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, pumps water, sand and chemicals underneath shale formations to force out trapped gas or oil. The discovery of massive reservoirs around the U.S. has caused a shale gas boom, driving down prices and encouraging additional investment in natural gas infrastructure. While the U.S. and Canada lead the market, Australia, China India and various European countries have also started using the fracking technique for shale gas.

..more..

[Autumn]

1. How civilized.

So nice to see a country care about the environment and their people.

[xchrom]

6. +1

[femmocrat]

2. C'est si bon.

Too bad they lost the French and Indian War as much of their former territory in western PA is now in the hands of the frackers.

[otohara]

3. Viva

maybe when the cancer starts popping up in rural areas of PA, CO, KS, etc.....we'll have hearings

[LeftinOH]

4. It ought to be pretty easy for many foreign governments to establish policy:

Do the exact opposite of what the USA is doing; more specifically, what the Republicans in the USA are supporting.

[MADem]

5. NJ has said "no thanks" as well. nt

[Pooka Fey]

7. This is great news.

[makokun]

8. The Russian gas lobby is apparently rather effective

in France.

$$$

[eppur_se_muova]

9. Vive la France! nt

[amborin]

10. kr