# Sheinbaum advances fracking pilots and reforestation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sheinbaums-domestic-policy-agenda > Updated: 2026-08-05T19:51:54.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 2. In early August 2026 President Claudia Sheinbaum moved forward on two contrasting domestic fronts. A 54‑expert scientific committee delivered ten recommendations on unconventional gas, including accelerating renewable electricity, improving energy efficiency, raising conventional gas output, and prohibiting hydraulic fracturing in the densely populated Tampico‑Misantla basin because of biodiversity and social concerns. The plan calls for using only saline water, recycling at least 75 % of it, avoiding toxic chemicals, holding public consultations and publishing all studies on a dedicated microsite with bi‑monthly updates. Pilot fracking projects are being evaluated in Coahuila and Tamaulipas, with a possible start as early as September 2026 pending confirmation of saline‑water reservoirs. The pilots aim to boost domestic gas production and cut Mexico’s reliance on U.S. imports, which supply about three‑quarters of its consumption; Pemex currently produces roughly 4.87 billion cubic feet of gas per day. On 9 August Sheinbaum inaugurated the 2026 National Reforestation Day, a coordinated planting effort across all 32 states, 621 municipalities and 1,632 agrarian nuclei. The initiative targets at least 6.6 million trees and shrubs on roughly 32,000 hectares, with an expected 235,000 volunteers, drone assistance, and participation from federal agencies and the National Guard. The ceremony opened in Puebla’s Izta‑Popo National Park alongside Governor Alejandro Armenta Mier, building on the eight‑year Sembrando Vida program that has already placed 1.2 billion trees. ## Claims - The Jornada Nacional de Reforestación 2026 will be held on Sunday 9 August 2026 across Mexico. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The event aims to plant at least 6.6 million trees and plants. (corroborated by 6 sources) - President Claudia Sheinbaum is evaluating pilot fracking projects in Coahuila and Tamaulipas, with a possible start as early as September. (corroborated by 5 sources) - A committee of 54 experts recommended prohibiting fracking in the Tampico‑Misantla basin because of social, environmental and demographic concerns. (corroborated by 5 sources) - New fracking technologies reduce environmental impact by using less harmful chemicals and recycling most of the water. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Mexico imports about 75 % of its natural‑gas consumption from the United States. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Fracking will be conditioned on confirming the presence of saline water in the subsurface and will prohibit the use of fresh water. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Pemex currently produces about 4.869 billion cubic feet of gas and 1.658 million barrels of oil per day. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Approximately 235,000 people are expected to participate. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-05: Mexico's President Sheinbaum launches 2026 National Reforestation Day President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Mexico's 2026 National Reforestation Day for Aug 9, aiming to plant 6.6 million trees across 32 states with ~235 k participants, making it an annual event. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-president-claudia-sheinbaum-launches-national-reforestation-day ### 2026-08-05: Sheinbaum greenlights fracking pilots, bans Tampico‑Misantla Sheinbaum unveils a committee’s ten fracking recommendations, bans the Tampico‑Misantla basin and eyes pilot projects in Coahuila and Tamaulipas to cut U.S. gas imports. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-president-claudia-sheinbaum-considers-pilot-fracking-projects --- Cite as: Sheinbaum advances fracking pilots and reforestation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sheinbaums-domestic-policy-agenda