Sheinbaum defends fracking plan, citing low environmental impact

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has defended her administration's controversial plan to utilize hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking,' for natural gas extraction, asserting that new technologies will significantly reduce its environmental impact. This stance marks a shift from her previous opposition to the technique, a position shared by her political mentor, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Sheinbaum presented findings from a panel of local experts to support her argument, emphasizing that the government aims to lessen Mexico's dependence on the United States, from which it imports 75% of its natural gas. The 'fracking' process involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure to fracture rock formations and release natural gas. Environmentalists have long criticized the method due to concerns over water contamination and chemical usage. The expert panel recommended avoiding freshwater sources used for human consumption, instead suggesting the use of brackish groundwater unsuitable for agriculture or livestock. They also advised recycling the water used in the process, consulting local communities, and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy sources. Mexico possesses substantial natural gas reserves in its northern border states: Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Sheinbaum indicated that the government will prioritize exploring the feasibility of using saline water for fracking under the established conditions and assured that the process would be closely monitored by the consulted experts. The administration is committed to adopting technologies that ensure responsible extraction.

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Many times we were opposed to unconventional gas. What changes? New technologies.