Reuters: Chevron wants more dialogue on Poland shale gas rules

Energy major Chevron said on Tuesday it was committed to shale gas exploration in Poland though it wanted more consultation with the government on draft amendments to rules before they are adopted.

Three foreign firms - Exxon Mobil, Talisman and Marathon - have pulled out of Polish shale gas, citing difficult geology and short-comings in the regulatory environment.

Industry lobby groups say the draft amendments to the hydrocarbons law, though better than previous versions, do not create the right conditions for firms to invest in Poland, which is seen by some in the industry as Europe's best shale gas hope.

John P. Claussen, Chevron's country manager for Poland, said the industry's dialogue with the government on the shale gas rules had been positive, but there were still issues with the draft to talk about. The environment ministry has submitted the draft to the cabinet for approval.  MORE