Romania: Protests Against Shale Gas Continue

Romanian's opposed to shale gas development took to the streets of Bucharest and in over twenty other towns on Thursday. Upwards of 80 non-governmental organizations participated in the protests.

Protestors urged the Government of Romania to revoke an earlier decision to grant concessions for shale gas exploration in areas including Vaslui, Dobrogea, Arad, and Timis and to forbid exploration and development until appropriate environmental impact studies are undertaken, which prove the extraction process of hydraulic fracturing does not pose a danger to the environment.

Protest were reportedly held in Bucharest, Barlad, Alba Iulia, Arad, Sibiu, Brasov, Targu Neamt, Mangalia, 2 Mai, Calarasi, Piatra Neamt, Slatina, Galati, Timisoara, Oradea, Iasi, Buzau, Costinesti, Buzias, Cluj Napoca, Vaslui, Suceava, Craiova, and Codlea.

“We oppose any interference from the corporations in writing of Romanian legislation and damaging the interests of the citizens. We denounce the high level corruption that serves interests against the citizens. We fight for the right to a healthy environment, for the right to life and health, for the right to the fair information of the citizens,” stated NGO representatives.

A group of senators and deputies from southeast Romania, particularly from Vaslui County, filed a motion to declare the 4th of April a national day against the exploitation of shale gas.

Organizers complained that many local administrations were hindering the expression of opposition by denying or ignoring requests for formal permission to carry out gatherings. On Wednesday George Epurescu, a protest coordinator and member of 'Romania without Them' said that the mayor's office in Bucharest did not authorize the protest:

“We have asked to organize the protest in the area of the statues from the University Square. We have received a reply e-mail by which we were told that the protest is not authorized. We were not called to the Traffic Committee as is normally done. One cannot forbid a protest like that. We will act accordingly and will file a criminal complaint,” said Epurescu as reported by HotNews.ro.

Chevron intends to start the shale gas drilling process in Barlad (notheast Romania) by the second half of this year. The multinational plans to explore for shale gas near the Black Sea resort areas of Vama Veche and 2 Mai in three concessions in the area of Vama Veche, Adamclisi and Costinesti but says that it plans on restricting its activities in the three concessions to conducting seismic studies at this time. Nevertheless, locals are anticpating the introduction of hydraulic fracturing at some point in the near future.

Over the past weeks, Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has softened his views on shale gas since a parliamentary election in December, which earned his ruling leftist alliance an overwhelming two-thirds majority in parliament.

But analysts say if public opposition heightens, authorities might need to reconsider their stance on shale for fear of alienating millions of voters and thus prevent the company from setting up one of its biggest operations as the country is gearing up for a presidential election in 2014.

Particular anger is directed at the govenment of Prime Minister Victor Ponta.  Ponta, who stood against shale gas development when in opposition and implemented a moratorium (which expired in December), now says that he is in favor of shale gas exploration.

Speaking on a leading television network, Ponta pointed to economics and energy security as reasons to proceed with shale gas development.

“The idea is as follows: currently, for Romania and for the entire Europe, the problem of the gas price is fundamental. At first for the people – the price; but especially for the industry that cannot compete in the market. I saw news concerning one of the largest European companies that, two years ago, had planned to open a factory in Romania and in the end has opened it in the USA because there they had shale gas. The gas is at a quarter price. So, I am in favor of the exploration because nothing will be exploited sooner than five years. And if, as a result of these explorations it will be discovered that Romania can exploit shale gas under safe conditions for the environment, I will approve it,” said Victor Ponta.

Ponta assured that the exploration works would have no effect over the environment and that extraction would not begin earlier than five years.

“Exploitation permits will not be granted before completion of the exploration works and I guarantee that, if such permits are signed by my government or by another government,  itwill be signed only according to American and European environment protection standards” said Ponta.

The PM said that he wants Romania to reduce its dependence on gas imports and in particular, expensive gas from Russia.

“I know it is very good for Romania to be independent from an energy point of view. I will be responsible for the not so popular aspect of shale gas exploration,” added Ponta.

Silviu Molnar

Related Reading: 

Chevron Playing Long Game on European Shale

Chevron, Shale Gas and Romania: Interview with Tom Holst

Romania: Debating Pros and Cons of Shale Gas