Bloomberg: Poland May Drop Plan for State-Run Shale Gas Exploration Fund

Poland may drop a plan to create a state-run fund to participate in shale gas exploration ventures to alleviate objections from investors and speed drilling.

The proposed fund, called NOKE, is not indispensable, Environment Minister Maciej Grabowski said yesterday in an interview in Warsaw. The prosed fund would become a shareholder in domestic shale gas licenses to be sold under new regulations.

“NOKE is a tool to reach a goal,” Grabowski said. “If we can find a formula that will protect the interests of the State Treasury and will be safe for the environment, I’m open to several options.”  MORE