German Minister Set to Ban Fracking

Germany’s Environment Minister Peter Altmaier has said he wanted to ban controversial gas drilling methods, such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking), in all areas where drinking water is protected.

Altmaier also said he wants to see legislation on fracking in place by September.


Speaking in a video released on the government website, Altmaier said there were unresolved issues with hydraulic fracturing. He has said previously that he did not expect fracking to be employed anywhere in Germany in the foreseeable future.

"I'll propose that we ban fracking in areas where drinking water is protected and for all other areas we'll do environmental comparability testing," Reuters quoted Altmaier as saying.

"I assume we'll have an intensive discussion with companies and citizens affected." Altmaier said his ministry was working closely with the environmental protection office on the issue of hydraulic fracturing.

"I'd like to see Germany have a law before the election and that we can hold this conversation in a calm and reasonable environment," Altmaier said. "Everyone has to know that nothing can be approved in Germany that's not justifiable."

See also: Germany Likely To Be Tough on Fracking