The legal and regulatory framework for the EU’ shale gas exploration and production regulating public health and environmental impacts

Abstract

Shale gas has now become a major competing source of energy in the international energy mix scenario. In the European Union, the ‘‘fracking’’ which is the technique of extraction shale gas is facing very strong opposition based on the associated potential health risks and environmental impacts which are not currently adequately regulated. The European Union Commission argues that the current regulatory system is enough for controlling the impacts of fracking on health and the environment. However, this article shows that the EU shale gas regulatory framework is not, ‘‘fit for purpose’’. It will critically evaluate current European Union shale gas regulations and offer some recommendations for improvement.