Shale Gas Poses Dilemma for US Policymakers at All Levels

摘要

The shale gas bonanza that has transformed the US gas sector from rags to riches over the last few years presents a dilemma for policymakers, as its huge potential clashes with intense public concern about the risks hydraulic fracturing and other shale production techniques allegedly pose to water and the broader environment. For now, the Obama administration looks to be tilting to the pro-fracking side, but state governments are split and all bets would be off should there be any substantial accident or discovery of major damage to the environment associated with shale gas production (WGI Jun.8' 11 ,p1).