German government approves fracking

The German government tabled a draft law in February 2015 allowing fracking in the country, under certain conditions and in isolated cases.

Environmental associations criticised the draft as fragmented and risky. These organisations also called on the government to concentrate on implementing the Energiewende, instead.

This decision followed a long debate over the use of fracking technology in Germany.

The cabinet of the German government agreed upon the detail of the draft law on the 1 April 2015. However, the Local.de suggested that it was unclear whether the law would pass through the Bundestag.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Fracking debate intensifies in Germany http://www.europeansources.info/record/fracking-debate-intensifies-in-germany/

ESO: Background information: German government approves €80 billion climate package http://www.europeansources.info/record/german-government-approves-e80-billion-climate-package/

EurActiv, 24.03.15: Berlin fracking bill criticised ahead of UN climate talks http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/berlin-fracking-bill-criticised-ahead-un-climate-talks-313183

EurActiv, 02.04.15: German Environment Minister defends new bill to regulate fracking http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/german-environment-minister-defends-new-bill-regulate-fracking-313484

Deutsche Welle, 01.04.15: German government approves controversial fracking bill http://dw.de/p/1F0xa

The Local.de, 01.04.15: Draft fracking law meets strong opposition http://www.thelocal.de/20150401/cabinet-proposes-fracking-against-strong-opposition

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