Sofia (dpa) – Bulgaria on Tuesday revoked a shale gas exploration license for US giant Chevron, citing environmental concerns. A tender won by Chevron in May to explore and extract shale gas in the northeast did not specify which technology was allowed, angering environmental groups opposed to hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking, which they said could pollute aquifers. Energy Minister Traiche Traikov told reporters that Chevron would be allowed to continue exploring for gas and oil with a new license that bans it from using hydrofracking, at least until the technology is proven safe. “The aim is to allow exploration and extraction of oil and gas with conventional technology,” Traikov said. “Hydrofracking will be allowed only with convincing proof that it would not harm the environment.” Tuesday's decision by the conservative government of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov comes a day after a parliamentary committee approved a temporary ban on shale exploration and extraction. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/4QdZq Tags: Bulgaria, Chevron, Exploration, License Section: Environment, Europe, Going Green, Latest News
