Draft legislation to ban the exploration and production of shale gas has been introduced to Parliament.
The Bill was submitted on 23 November 2011 by a group of MPs and has been sent to the Parliamentary commissions for discussions and reporting.
If it becomes law:
- it would prohibit any exploration and production of shale gas though drilling followed by a hydraulic fragmentation of rocks within the territory of Bulgaria
- any permits issued for the exploration and production of shale gas would be automatically revoked by operation of law
- anyone performing such activities would have one month within which to report these activities to the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism and the Ministry of Environment and Waters
- any non-criminal infringements of the law would be punishable by a fine of up to BGN 100,000 for companies and BGN 10,000 for individuals
The exploration and production of shale gas is described as a ‘problem’ by those introducing the Bill, who state that:
- its production technology is harmful to public health, soil and water (including drinking water)
- it creates a risk of earthquakes
- it involves the use of carcinogenic and radioactive chemicals
- it has already been banned in other countries, such as France, Switzerland and Canada
- the possibility of shale gas exploration and production activities in North-Eastern Bulgaria is causing concern among local residents
