Department of Energy Research to Focus on Environmental Protection and Advanced Technologies for Shale Gas Production

July 12, 2013
Posted By: Ed Yim

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released its 2013 annual report to Congress entitled, “2013 Annual Plan: Ultra-Deepwater and Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Research and Development Program.”  This seventh  annual report issued pursuant to the 2005 Energy Policy Act lays out the DOE’s research focus and activities for the coming fiscal year.  Acknowledging the national strategic interest in domestic oil and gas production, DOE proposes to continue its research regarding the extraction of onshore shale gas and other petroleum products from deep-water production.  Regarding its research on unconventional shale gas resources, the focus will be on protecting groundwater and air quality, including water treatment technologies and water management.  Regarding offshore production, the focus will be on improving understanding of systems risk and reducing risk through real-time information and development of advanced technologies.  The research activities will be administered by the Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America, which is a consortium comprising representatives from industry, academia, and research institutions.

Shale Gas Roundtable Crafting Recommendations for Shale Development

March 28, 2013
Posted By: Jon Dan

The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute on Politics has reportedly assembled a group of natural gas industry representatives, public interest organizations, and regulators under the name “Shale Gas Roundtable.”  Members of the Roundtable have been quietly meeting for over a year to develop recommendations addressing various aspects of shale development.  One of the Roundtable’s chief goals is to prompt a long-term study of shale gas development and its effect on the environment.  The Roundtable expects to publicly release its recommendations in June.

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