French bill banning fossil fuel exploration passes in parliament

A BILL banning new fossil fuel exploration licences in France immediately and all fossil fuel extraction in the country by 2040 has cleared its final hurdle, after being approved by the French parliament.

Environment minister Nicolas Hulot announced the news on Twitter saying: “Today, parliament has approved the bill putting an end to the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons. By doing so, the current generation is taking care of future generations.”

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that he is “very proud” of the move.

Hulot, a former environmental activist and television presenter, said that the hydrocarbons bill is a key part of France’s climate plan to combat climate change, and in line with the country’s Paris Agreement climate commitments.

“It puts our country in line with the objective of combating climate change, since to stay below the limit of 2°C, we must leave almost all fossil fuels underground. That is what this bill allows, which also confirms that France is definitely banning the exploration or exploitation of shale gas,” he said.

The bill was first announced by Hulot back in June, and presented to parliament on 7 July.