Getting to 'yes' on shale gas

摘要

US shale gas reserves are enormous, but development hinges on resolving environmental concerns. According to recent US Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates, the production of natural gas from shale formations now accounts for 23% of total onshore domestic natural gas production. EIA also now estimates total technically recoverable natural gas from US shale at 862 Tcf - a mind-boggling total that has the potential to enhance energy security and drastically reduce domestic emissions of greenhouse gas. As citizens of Pennsylvania, Texas, and other states know, with shale plays come job creation, investment, tax revenue, and economic development. Generations of Americans have wondered what it would be like to have the energy resources of Saudi Arabia. Is it possible for the US to squander this opportunity?