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German government will ban shale gas fracking indefinitely

The coalition government of Germany has reached an agreement to ban shale gas hydraulic fracturing ("fracking"), after years of discussions. However, this decision will be reassessed by the Parliament in 2021, prompting criticisms from environmental groups. So far, German legislation hasn't banned fracking but no drilling permits have been approved.



In April 2015, the government approved a draft law imposing an effective ban on hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") for shale gas production. The draft law, which failed to be adopted by the parliament, allowed commercial shale gas fracking in exceptional cases as of 2019, only after the approval of a special committee and successful test drilling; until then fracking will be banned. The draft also banned fracking up to a depth of 3,000 meters, allowing fracking for deep-lying or tight gas (fracking would then be subject to environmental audits and strict rules). Fracking will also be banned in all areas supplying drinking water (including dams and reservoirs).

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