Poland: Shale Moratorium Not on the Table
The head of the Polish prime minister's office has said that Poland does not intend to follow in other European countries' footsteps by implementing a moratorium on shale gas.
Tomasz Arabski also annouced that draft amendments to Geology and Mining Law would be presented later this month.
Speaking at the news conference before a government sitting, Arabski re-iterated that Polish authorities “were not considering any shale gas moratorium".
"Government is determined to let the companies explore and - in the future probably - produce shale gas in Poland" - said the head of the PM's office. “The reason is quite simple” – Mr. Arabski continued – “Test drillings and fracturing operations executed in Poland were determined to be safe.".
Yesterday, the Czech government followed an example of Romania, announcing that it's considering a two-year moratorium on shale gas exploration until new legislation was prepared. By imposing such a moratorium, the Czech Republic and Romania would join France and Bulgaria.
Asked about recent declarations of Prague and Bucharest, Tomasz Arabski observed, that "different members of European community are approaching differently to shale gas".
Pointing to the recent Polish-Spanish consultations, Arabski added, that while several European countries haved considered introducing a moratorium, there are also other countries whose governments have choosen to develop shale gas.
He added that the European Union did not take any common stance towards shale gas.
"Both European Parliament and European Commission ascertained, that regulations concerning hydrocarbons in all of the member countries, especially environmental regulations, are proper and adequate, that each country can act according to its own regulations and that there`s no need for introducing overregulation at the European level."
Amendments to Geology and Mining Act
Arabski, who coordinates Polish government preparation of new legal frames for shale gas development, said that while companies were proceeding with exploring shale gas reserves in Poland, the government was preparing adjustments to relevant legislation.
"Licenses for exploration have been granted, those entities will seek production licenses soon." - said Arabski - "It can be expected, that draft of amendments to Geology and Mining law will be - as far as I know - presented later this month.".
A new geological and mining law came into force on January 1st.
During the election campaign, promises made by ruling party included introducing a new law on the taxation of shale gas and creating a sovereign wealth fund, modeled on Norway`s oil fund.