Sheinbaum backs fracking ban for Mexico’s top shale basin: Thursday’s mañanera recapped

President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed a press conference on Thursday, summarizing the findings of an expert committee tasked with assessing the viability of "sustainable fracking" in Mexico. The committee, comprised of scientists from various fields, had originally been scheduled to present its recommendations in June, but news of their findings was delayed until today.

The committee advised against fracking in the Tampico-Misantla basin, Mexico's largest potential shale basin, located in Veracruz and Tamaulipas. This decision was based on environmental, social, and biodiversity concerns, with experts citing the need to reserve fresh water for human consumption and agriculture. However, the committee recommended continuing to evaluate fracking potential in two other basins: Sabinas-Burro-Picachos in Coahuila/Nuevo León and the Burgos basin in Tamaulipas.

Sheinbaum acknowledged the committee's recommendation to prohibit fracking in the Tampico-Misantla basin, stating that the government would respect their advice due to the concerns raised. She emphasized that experimental wells must first ascertain the presence of salt water underground, as fresh water is a valuable resource that cannot be wasted.

The president also discussed her shift in stance on fracking, admitting that previous opposition was due to a lack of new technologies such as biodegradable chemicals and water recycling. She noted that the committee's findings had changed her perspective, allowing for the possibility of safe and water-efficient fracking in Mexico.

Despite the committee's recommendation against fracking in the Tampico-Misantla basin, Sheinbaum acknowledged that a final decision on large-scale fracking in the country had not yet been made. Experimental wells would first need to be drilled to determine the presence of salt water in the northern basins. If salt water is found, local residents would be consulted before any subsequent steps, according to Sheinbaum.