France to ban fracking of fossil fuels / Critics try to stifle shale gas revolution

French lawmakers voted on the 11 May 2011 to ban a controversial technique used to extract shale gas and oil that opponents say contaminates the environment.

If the vote by the lower house of parliament passes the Senate in June 2011, France will be the first country to ban hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. The process injects water, chemicals and sand into rock formations to break them open and extract previously unattainable fossil fuel deposits.

ESO: Background information: France set to heed shale oil protests http://www.europeansources.info/record/france-set-to-heed-shale-oil-protests/

ESO: Background information: Europe told of potential shale gas bonanza http://www.europeansources.info/record/europe-told-of-potential-shale-gas-bonanza/

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