Mexico makes push for fracking despite environmental concerns

AI Summary

Mexico is preparing to expand fracking to tap shale oil and gas reserves, aiming to reduce reliance on US energy supplies and move toward energy self-sufficiency. The proposal faces environmental concerns, with communities in Veracruz reporting pollution and damage linked to existing extraction.

Following months of consultations with energy experts, Mexico is preparing to tap its shale oil and gas reserves using one of the world's most controversial extraction techniques: fracking. The process is already used to extract oil in the southeastern state of Veracruz, where local communities have long complained of pollution and environmental damage. But the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum is seeking to reduce Mexico's reliance on the United States and – eventually – achieve energy self-sufficiency. FRANCE 24's Quentin Duval and Laurence Cuvillier report.