Germany proposes partial fracking ban

Recent tensions between Russia and Ukraine have prompted a number of European countries to pledge to cut their reliance on Russian gas supplies by developing domestic resources

Germany, however, has ensured its reliance on imported Russian gas will continue by proposing a partial ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for the next seven years. On 4 July, German economy minister Sigmar Gabriel and environment minister Barbara Hendricks proposed introducing measures which would only allow fracking for shale gas and coal-bed methane at depths greater than 3,000 metres below the earth's surface. Fracking would also be prohibited in areas where drinking water is thought to be at risk of contamination. Announcing the plan, Hendricks said: "There will be no fracking for economic purposes in Germany in the near future." Under the proposed regulations, which have yet to