Energy group irked by Nova Scotia move away from shale

A Canadian energy trade group said it was upset with a decision from the provincial government in Nova Scotia to consider a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing.

Dave Collyer, president of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, said the provincial government's decision could leave Nova Scotia on the sidelines of the emerging shale gas boom.

"The government's decision appears to be largely based on considerations other than the technical knowledge and experience of industry regulators and experts in Canadian jurisdictions where hydraulic fracturing has been used safely for many decades to develop natural gas," he said in a statement Wednesday.

Shale is in the pioneer stage in the province. CAPP said hydraulic fracturing has been used safely for more than 60 years in Western Canada with few incidents.

Nova Scotia Energy Minister Andrew Younger said he had legislation prepared to prohibit hydraulic fracturing at inland shale basins.

"Nova Scotians have overwhelmingly expressed concern about allowing high volume hydraulic fracturing to be a part of onshore shale development in this province at this time," he said Wednesday.