The European Parliament (EP) has rejected a move by parliamentarians of various political groups calling for the EU not to authorise any new projects to exploit shale gas operations. At the same time it gave a nod to environmental doves within member states, leaving a door open for a change of heart pending “further analysis of whether EU-level regulation is appropriate.”

Acknowledging that new sources of natural gas, along with a boosting of renewable resources and energy efficiency can help achieve security of supply, the plenary session, with a majority of 391 votes to 262 and one abstention, adopted the energy committee’s stance that each member state has the right to decide whether or not to explore shale gas reserves by hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

The EP also called on national governments to use caution in issuing fracking permits and to develop “robust regulatory regimes” governing the practise. The most environmentally friendly processes and best available techniques used to achieve the highest safety standards should be used, it said. In particular, it should be assured that as much of the fracking water as possible is recycled and that companies disclose which chemicals are used, in compliance with EU legislation.

The “substantial investment” required to build the infrastructure needed to exploit shale gas reserves will have to be covered “entirely” by the companies carrying out the exploration, the EP said.