Chevron suspends search for shale gas in northeast Romania after protests
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Chevron says it has suspended searching for shale gas in northeast Romania following protests in the capital and the local area against fracking.
The company said in a statement Thursday its priority was to "conduct these activities in a safe and environmentally responsible manner." It said it had permits to start drilling for shale gas in the village of Pungesti.
The statement came after hundreds of protested Wednesday in a field where Chevron plans to launch its operation, followed by a protest in Bucharest.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Local environmentalists say pumping water and chemicals at high pressure into deep rock formations to free oil and gas could contaminate groundwater.
Local authorities say they would hold a non-binding referendum on Nov. 24 on whether to allow Chevron to explore for shale.