a
VAD STOD PÃ… SPEL?
b
VAD TYCKTE DE GRÖNA?
c
VAD UPPNÃ…DDE VI?
d
VAD UPPNÃ…DDE VI INTE?

Risks of shale gas extraction

Shale gas extraction, also called fracking, uses toxic chemicals to force gas out of reservoirs in the ground.

The process poses several major risks to the environment and human health because it can pollute the air and contaminate groundwater.

Since fracking accidents are quite frequent (occurring in around 1-2% of all operations), associated leaks, spills and blowouts can cause even more severe damage.

In addition, uncontrolled discharges of wastewater can exacerbate the environmental impact of shale gas extraction.

Furthermore, any fracking operation entails the use of extensive tracts of land, e.g. the destruction of forests and farmland. At the same time, there is no proper EU legislation on fracking.

 

VAD TYCKTE DE GRÖNA?

The Greens believe that fracking involves too many risks to be used in the EU.

Moreover, in our view it merely increases our consumption of fossil fuels like natural gas, thus accelerating climate change. Methane emissions during the extraction process amplify this effect.

We therefore argue that the Member States should be very cautious about using fracking as a source of energy. If fracking is used (and Poland in particular is keen to take this technology further), it must be governed by strict environmental provisions.

We also believe that fracking should be banned in sensitive areas, that the 'polluter pays' principle should apply and that impact assessments should cover the full life cycle of extraction sites.

Finally, we insist that fracking operations should not be allowed to benefit from public funding.

 

Gick parlamentet på De grönas linje?

The Greens successfully pressed for the incorporation of most of our demands into the final text.

This proved no easy matter, because in the first draft of Parliament's resolution on the matter Polish EPP member Boguslaw Sonik favoured fracking.

Parliament also demanded the inclusion of close monitoring of groundwater quality and of a burden-of-proof provision to ensure that fracking companies remain liable for any environmental damage they cause.

 

I vilka frågor blev De gröna nedröstade?

The Greens were unable to delete passages that described fracking as a back-up of our gas supply and a factor that enhances the EU's competitiveness.

Unfortunately, the report still cites shale gas as an alternative to coal and oil.

Referens(er)
Videor
PRESS OCH EVENEMANG
Utskott:ENVI

Procedure:Own-initiative procedure

Referens(er):2011/2308(INI)

Föredragande:Bogusław Sonik (EPP)

Grön ansvarig ledamot:Michèle Rivasi, Carl Schlyter

Omröstning:21/11/2012

Staff contact:Terhi Lehtonen (Email)

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