Enthusiasm for tight oil is muted in Europe, where, despite extensive oil and gas-rich shale formations, governments have been slow to allow exploration to proceed. European environmentalists have strenuously objected to the use of hydraulic fracturing (tracking) technology, citing dangers of groundwater contamination and drilling-induced seismic activity. France, which holds the continent's largest shale gas reserves, has been extremely responsive to environmentalist concerns; President Francois Hollande has promised to maintain the country's ban on tracking, which has been in force since first enacted by Hollande's predecessor, conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy. The nation's off-limits reserves are the cause of much grief to domestic oil major Total, which has decided to invest in shale gas development in the neighboring UK, but which continues to suggest that France revisit its stance on the lucrative industry. Total will also pursue shale gas investment in China, Poland, Denmark, and Argentina.
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