"Most European politicians understand the controversy behind the hydraulic fractioning technology. The president-elect of the European Commission has doubts over its reliability as well. As we know, proceedings have been brought against some companies involved in shale gas extraction demanding to compensate billions of euros due to the damage to communities and the environment caused by toxic chemicals. I do not understand why the Government is trying to push forward the unreliable technology in Lithuania, despite the concern of local communities, non-governmental organisations and the arguments given by scientists," Rope's statement read.
According to Rope, it has not been assessed whether the Government's initiative is harmonised with the rules of fair competition. The politician said that the Government's plans to facilitate conditions for companies engaged in shale gas extraction raise even more doubts, especially the intention to tax shale gas extraction by 1 percent tariff for the first three years.
