Fact-Based Regulation for Environmental Protection in Shale Gas Development

The discovery of large reserves of natural gas in shale formations – shale gas – has been a major positive development for the energy picture of the US and the world. Yet a number of controversies over shale gas development have emerged that must be resolved in order for the full potential of this valuable resource to be realized. The Energy Institute has launched a series of initiatives to help deal with these issues and ensure responsible development of shale gas.

This Summary of Findings is from one of these initiatives that seek to help policymakers and regulators deal with shale gas issues in a rational manner based on factual information. The full report may be found on the Energy Institute website at:

http://energy.utexas.edu/

The Senior Contributors to the report are shown below with their respective areas of contribution: Matt Eastin News Coverage and Public Perceptions of Hydraulic Fracturing Ian Duncan Environmental Impacts of Shale Gas Development Hannah Wiseman Regulation of Shale Gas Development Hannah Wiseman State Enforcement of Shale Gas Development Regulation

The investigations continue, and findings will be updated and supplemented as progress is made. Future initiatives are planned to gather more field and laboratory information to improve the scientific basis for development of shale gas resources with adequate control and regulation.