Maps detail state-by-state shale gas regulations

Resources For the Future's Center for Energy Economics and Politics has released a report titled "The State of State Shale Gas Regulation," which "analyzed 25 regulatory elements related to shale gas development in 31 states that have actual or potential development activity," says the Center for Energy Economics and Politics. The report includes 26 maps that "provide an overview of the states’ regulations, the regulatory tools they use and in some cases the stringency of regulations." In several states, residents will vote in November on fracking referendums. (RFF map)

RFF points out that “Advances in hydraulic fracturing and other technologies are driving a boom in natural gas production in the United States, but developing this resource carries risks," reports Agri-Pulse, a Washington newsletter. "Historically, states have been the primary regulators of oil and gas development. As the shale gas boom has taken off, states have updated their regulations, each with varying requirements. This dynamic regulatory environment has been challenging for industry, environmental groups, researchers, the federal government and other experts to understand.”

"RFF’s state maps vividly illustrate the patchwork of widely varying state regulation of the oil industry," Agri-Pulse writs. "RFF found 'a lack of transparency in state shale gas regulations' and pointed out that though regulations are publicly available, they are often difficult to find and interpret, even for experts. 'Moreover, states’ use of case-by-case permitting makes it challenging for researchers and the public to determine what is regulated and required.” Agri-Pulse is subscription only, but a free trial is available by clicking here.