Text tabled : A7-0283/2012, A7-0284/2012

  Renate Sommer (PPE), in writing. − (DE) I voted in favour of the two own-initiative reports on the opportunities and risks of shale gas development in the EU. By adopting the two reports, we are taking appropriate account of the arguments advanced by the advocates and opponents of this technology. Of course it is desirable to reduce the dependency on natural gas imports from third countries. At a time when energy prices are soaring, we cannot avoid a debate about the potential opportunities afforded by shale gas development. Equally, we cannot close our eyes to the possible risks of this technology. Only when adverse environmental impacts, such as groundwater contamination, can be ruled out conclusively should licences be issued for its development. That also applies to test bores. That is why we are calling for compulsory environmental impact assessments before any bores take place, as well as the establishment of the ‘polluter pays’ principle, so that citizens do not ultimately have to foot the bill. There should be a general ban on hydrofracking in drinking water protection areas. The same applies to coal mining areas. Interruptions to and shifts in groundwater flows can occur, and have occurred in this context, making reliable impact assessment impossible. An EU-wide ban on shale gas development should be rejected, however. Once fracking technology has been incorporated into EU environmental legislation, it is a matter for each Member State to decide whether to pursue the development of shale gas or not.