France and fracking

The French parliament passed a law in 2011 outlawing fracking because of concern it can pollute drinking water, effectively halting plans by companies including Total SA (FP) to explore for shale gas in southern France.

Constitutional challenge
In September 2013 it was reported that "Two years after France became the first country to ban fracking, the country’s constitutional court is considering a challenge to the law. The case comes amid uncertain signals from the government of President Francios Hollande on whether or not it will continue to support the ban."

In October 2013 France's Constitutional Council decided that the ban did not violate the country's constitution. The challenge was brought by U.S.-company Schuepbach Energy.

Companies

 * Statoil

Related SourceWatch articles

 * Fracking