France: Environmentalists Fear Slippage
Environmentalists are expressing concerns in advance of this week’s upcoming vote in the French National Assembly to repeal shale exploration licenses.
Changes have occurred in the wording of the resolution to be voted upon.
The original bill clearly stated that licenses already issued for unconventional gas and oil were to be repealed and called for the ban on further exploration and exploitation.
However, the revised version stipulates that licensees must, within two months after the publication of the law, detail the processes that they intend to employ in extracting the resources in a report to the administrative authority that originally issued the permit.
The permits would be revoked if this report is not submitted or if it "refers to the use, or possible use of hydraulic fracturing of the rock," after drilling.
For Yves Cochet, Member for the Green Party, the revision provides explorers with a loophole.
"Instead of saying they (i.e. explorers) use the technique of hydraulic fracturing, they will use another form but in substance, they will do the same, since there is no other way to do it" said Cochet.
The France Nature Environnement coalition also expressed its "concern" fearing a shift away in parliamentary support.
"Provided that the technique is different, the industry can drill without being disturbed," complains the FNE.
A shift in direction was first voiced by Chairman of the National Assembly, Bernard Accoyer last Tuesday.
He complained of a desire by some to legislate in a hurry, prior to the completion of a previously announced a fact finding mission on the economic issues, social and environmental of shale gas and shale oils in France.
At a press briefing, Accoyer said that he would have preferred that legislatation was introduced after fact-finding report presented its final report.
A preliminary report was favorable to assessment drilling but under strict controls, concluding that banning exploration before shale reserves are assessed could be detrimental to France's economy and labor market. (Read More HERE)
Though he understood the environmental concerns related to hydraulic fracturing, Accoyer said that the proposed bill went beyond the precautionary principle.
Accoyer said that he believed that the outlook for energy resources should not be neglected, given that France is said to hold significant shale gas resources.
"We must respect the precautionary principle but provide for the future, " insisted Accoyer, supporting continued research.
A recent poll conducted by CSA for consulting agency Publicis Consultants France reported that a majority of the French people are in favor of developing shale hydrocarbons if it helps lower fuel prices. (Read the Poll Results HERE)
Shale opponents plan a demonstration is scheduled for Tuesday near to the National Assembly to maintain pressure on parliamentarians during the debate of the bill.