It's an Artikelgesetz that nserted amendments into two existing laws: § 13a WHG (Water Resources Act - WHG) and the Federal Mining Act (BBergG), This law bans commercial hydraulic fracturing for the production of shale gas as well as shale oil (unconventional hydraulic fracturing). Limited test drillings (four authorised) wil be carried out to provide for experts to prepare yearly reports to the German Bundestag. Conventional hydraulic fracturing in sandstone for the production of tight gas, a traditional technique used in natural gas fields, is however allowed to continue, but under more stringent conditions for permit application:
- An environmental impact assessment is required.
- Only non-hazardous or low hazardous fracturing fluids are allowed.
- In the case of damages due to seismic events, a reversal of evidence is provided: in case of doubt, the companies will have to prove that damage is not caused by hydraulic fracturing activities.
