Opposition MPs call for end to shale gas mining

Opposition parties in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, wants to stop mining shale gas for as long as the agreements in the energy agreement are in force, the Telegraaf reports. The D66, CDA, SP, PvdD, PVV, GroenLinks and ChristenUnie support this notion. The energy agreement is valid until 2023. By then 16 percent of all energy used must be sustainable energy. Shale gas mining is controversial as it may harm the environment. The government previously decided that no gas will be mined from shale during this government's term. And there will be no commercial shale gas exploration and mining over the next five years. The Tweede Kamer will vote on the proposal on Tuesday afternoon.