DW: Energy Reluctant minister introduces fracking bill

Germany's parliament has begun debate on fracking legislation, with members split on the oil and gas extraction method. Environment Minister Barbara Henricks wants "very strict rules" based on scientific analysis.

Germany, which lacks legislation on fracking, began formal legislative debate on Thursday, with opposition parties strictly opposed and the natural gas industry saying Henrick's draft bill was too restrictive.

The controversial method is widely used by the United States to boost its shale oil and gas output but is widely discouraged in Europe, in all but Britain, Poland and Romania. Germanys environmental agency has already warned against it.

On Wednesday, Denmark said it had stopped its first exploratory well for shale gas, accusing the French concern Total of using an unauthorized chemical.

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