Colombian senator questions push for hydraulic fracturing technique in the face of severe drought

Published at: 29/09/2026 12:17 PM

The senator for the Historical Pact and Human Colombia coalition, Esmeralda Hernández, categorically rejected the decision of Colombian President Abelardo De la Espriella to repromote the hydraulic fracturing technique (fracking) for the extraction of gas and oil, warning about the environmental impact of this procedure in the midst of the water crisis that the South American nation is going through.

The parliamentarian warned that the reactivation of these oil projects will increase the vulnerability of the country's freshwater reserves, especially during the impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon. “They say that ignorance is daring and Abelardo demonstrates it every day. In the midst of the El Niño phenomenon and with the country running out of water, he gives the order to use millions of liters in fracking,” Hernández reported.

In addition, the legislative representation supported its complaint in technical reports and environmental investigations that demonstrate the water requirement of the extractive process, which requires the consumption of up to 75 million liters of fresh water for each well operated.

The debate surrounding the energy policy of the Colombian administration generates growing concern among environmental organizations and community movements, who demand the paralysis of these operating licenses to preserve the sources of supply and the water security of the population.

Mazo News Team