France’s Ban On Fracking Is ‘Absolute’

BY ANDREW BREINER ON OCTOBER 11, 2013 AT 2:09 PM

France’s ban on fracking was finally completed Friday, as its constitutional court upheld a 2011 law prohibiting the practice and canceling all exploration permits. The decision posted on the court’s website said the ban “conforms to the constitution” and is not “disproportionate,” effectively protecting it from any future legal challenge.

U.S. driller Schuepbach Energy brought its complaint to the court after two of its exploration permits were revoked due to the ban. Schuepbach attempted to argue that since no study had established fracking risks, there was no cause for the ban, and that since fracking isn’t banned for geothermal energy projects, it was unfair. The court didn’t find that convincing, citing the differences between geothermal and shale gas exploration.

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Ohio anti-fracking measure looks like it’s heading to ballot

Measure may face legal challenges

By David DeWitt

Photo Credits:
Photo Caption: This graphic, created by the Bill of Rights Committee, shows what would be the geographic range of a fracking ban if a number of area communities adopt an aquifer protection ordinance.

A group of local anti-fracking activists has announced that a proposed citizens initiative banning the controversial oil and gas drilling activity is heading to the ballot for citizens of the city of Athens this November.

But the Athens County Board of Elections has reported that a number of concerned citizens, including attorneys in town, have approached them questioning the propriety of a ballot initiative that seems to contradict Ohio Revised Code.

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