Czechs plan temporary ban on shale exploration

[September 04, 2012]  PRAGUE (AP) -- The Czech government has proposed a temporary ban on shale gas exploration until a new law is passed that would address extracting the new energy source.

Environment Minister Tomas Chalupa said Monday the current law is insufficient and a moratorium till the middle of 2014 would give authorities time to propose legislation that would "take into account the current technologies and their environmental impact."

The government is expected to discuss the proposal next month.

European nations are divided over the issue. While Poland hoes hopes to find massive shale gas reserves, others, including Bulgaria and France, have imposed moratoriums.

Environmentalists and local authorities in the central, northern and eastern part of the Czech Republic have opposed any shale gas drilling due to environmental concerns.

[Associated Press]

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