Legislative Behavior in the Seventh European Parliament and the Regulation of Shale Gas Development in the European Union

Abstract

AbstractThis study addresses the regulation of shale gas development in the European Union, the role of the European Parliament in the formation of such regulation, and the factors that are associated with legislative behavior in the Seventh European Parliament. I test hypotheses about the influence of member state‐level characteristics related to the benefits and risks of shale gas such as economic development, decarbonization, energy security, and environmental protection. The results show that the member state‐level characteristics are weakly related to the voting behavior of members of the European Parliament. Only one seems especially salient: greenhouse gas emissions intensity. Party cohesion among European political groups holds greater explanatory power, suggesting that the most influential factors are ideological rather than provincial. The EP's role as a force for environmental protection in the EU may be moderated by member state interests and the competencies justifying supranational energy policy.Highlights The EP has rejected language both calling for moratoria and supporting high shale gas production. Party cohesion is the strongest factor associated with roll call votes on shale gas. MEPs may also be influenced by the potential for decarbonization.