Press Release: Environment: European Commission recommends minimum principles for shale gas

On 22 January 2014, the European Commission adopted a Recommendation aiming to ensure that proper environmental and climate safeguards are in place for 'fracking' – the high-volume hydraulic fracturing technique used notably in shale gas operations.

The Recommendation should help all Member States wishing to use this practice address health and environmental risks and improve transparency for citizens. It also lays the ground for a level playing field for industry and establishes a clearer framework for investors.

• Primary Source

European Commission: RAPID: Memo, MEMO/14/42: Questions and answers on the shale gas initiative http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-14-42_en.pdf

ESO: Background information: Shale gas firms face binding law if they fail ‘scoreboard’ test / New regulations for the gas shale industry http://www.europeansources.info/record/shale-gas-firms-face-binding-law-if-they-fail-scoreboard-test-new-regulations-for-the-gas-shale-industry/

ESO: Background information: Green Fade-Out: Europe to Ditch Climate Protection Goals http://www.europeansources.info/record/green-fade-out-europe-to-ditch-climate-protection-goals/

European Commission: DG Environment: Policies: Energy and Environment: Environmental Aspects on Unconventional Fossil Fuels http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/energy/unconventional_en.htm

EUObserver, 22.01.14: EU ditches plan to regulate on shale gas http://euobserver.com/news/122835

---