Shale gas could play a role in the EU's future energy policy but only if the health and environmental risks are addressed and minimized, EU environment commissioner Janez Potocnik said Tuesday in a speech at the European Economic Congress in Poland.
"The main challenges that have been pointed to concern notably water use, water pollution, air emissions and the management of waste water. To reassure the public, all of these risks should be prevented, managed and reduced," Potocnik said in his speech, which was posted online.
Potocnik said he is neither for nor against shale gas, but added that it could help the EU meet its long-term energy goals if the risks are properly mitigated.
Potocnik said the European Commission is working on legislation to provide clear rules regarding the exploration and exploitation of shale gas within the EU, but didn't give any specific timeframe.
His spokesman, Joe Hennon, said Tuesday that it isn't immediately clear when the proposal will be published, but added that it is a priority.
"We are committed to doing it by the end of the year," Hennon said.
