Günther Oettinger | GlobalPost

UPDATE 1-German upper house passes resolution to tighten fracking rules

Thomson ReutersFebruary 1, 2013 15:31

(Adds quotes from EU Energy Commissioner) BERLIN, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Germany's upper house of parliament passed a resolution on Friday urging Chancellor Angela Merkel's government to tighten the rules for controversial modern drilling techniques, or fracking, for unconventional gas. The resolution piles the pressure on the government to draw up clear rules for the practice, which critics say could increase seismic risks and even pollute drinking water.

EU energy chief appeals to Germany to drop energy isolation

Thomson ReutersJanuary 22, 2013 08:45

* EU's Oettinger says Germany must work with neighbours on energy * Needs to align green power reforms, grid expansion, research * Must avoid over reliance on Russia for raw materials By Vera Eckert and Christoph Steitz BERLIN, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Germany must turn away from its go-it-alone energy shift and work more with the European Union to build a cost-efficient, secure and sustainable sector, European Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said on Tuesday.