Reuters: Romanian election heralds hard choices on shale gas

Romania is among the best placed of Europe's ex-communist countries dreaming of escape from reliance on Russian gas, as its newly accessible shale deposits place self-sufficiency within its grasp.

The obstacle, as elsewhere, stems from fears that extracting gas from shale will pollute water for drinking and farms.

U.S. energy major Chevron wants to start drilling for shale gas exploration near the town of Barlad and campaigners have organised protests ahead of elections on Dec. 9, demanding a nationwide ban.

The current moratorium on shale exploration could be lifted when voter pressure subsides after the vote.

But the Social Liberal Union (USL) of leftist Prime Minister Victor Ponta, which will probably form the next government, has yet to make its shale policy clear and the future is up in the air.

Other political groupings have also refrained from unveiling their plans on the issue for fear of alienating voters.

"A decision would need to be made eventually. We hope this decision will not be one to endorse this activity and technology," said Bogdan Grecescu from Greenpeace Romania.  MORE