[NYT; sorry] BERLIN -- In a potential shift in German energy policy, the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel is preparing a framework that would let energy companies extract oil and natural gas by the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.The guidelines emerging from government discussions are strict, but they are a step, as energy companies have been barred from using the technology in recent years, even for conventional gas extraction.
The government is responding to pressure from industry and consumers to develop new sources of fuel and reduce Germany's dependence on gas imported from Russia. With domestic production dwindling, almost 90 percent of Germany's gas is imported.
Allowing fracking would open up the possibility of the production of oil and gas from shale rock in Germany.
Should Germany move ahead with exploration of shale gas, it would join Britain as one of two countries in Western Europe permitting energy operators to look for so-called unconventional gas and oil. Britain is encouraging shale exploration in an effort to replace declining oil and gas output from the North Sea and to build up domestic sources of supply for industry, particularly power generation.
While back at the ranch, leftist were grinding their teeth.
Environmentalists and other opponents worry about pollution of underground aquifers, disruption from truck traffic and other risks. Some environmental groups are flatly opposed to shale gas and oil as a new source of fossil fuels that might detract from investment in renewable energy sources.
"As long as I am governor in North Rhine-Westphalia, there will be no fracking for unconventional natural gas," said Hannelore Kraft, a prominent member of Mr. Gabriel's Social Democratic Party.
There's a solution to that, Hannelore...