Spain Sets Fracking Rules

The Spanish government published on Wednesday ground rules for operators making use of hydraulic fracturing in the country, modifying the previous law to allow water-intensive drilling. 

The projects across Spain will not have to go through the Environmental Impact Assessment.

The national law will become effective on Thursday. It will decrease the leeway of regional governments, limiting their powers to prohibit fracking.

Cantabria region imposed a ban on fracking in April. Repsol, Spain’s largest oil producer, put on hold its exploration in its concession granted by the Spanish Energy Ministry, through the General Directorate of Energy and Mines.

Spain imports about 99% of its hydrocarbons and 76% of all the consumed energy.