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Risks and risk governance in unconventional shale gas development
Mitchell J Small1, Paul C Stern, Elizabeth Bomberg
1H. John Heinz III Professor of Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|July 2, 2014
Summary
Shale gas development poses risks to public health, ecosystems, and climate, with significant knowledge gaps. Improved governance and coordinated federal research are crucial for managing these impacts effectively.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Risk Assessment
- Environmental Policy
Background:
- Shale gas development presents multifaceted risks.
- Current knowledge on these risks and their governance is incomplete.
- Effective management requires addressing significant research deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To broadly assess knowledge on shale gas development risks and governance.
- To identify hazards, mitigation options, and research needs across key domains.
- To evaluate current U.S. governance and explore emerging international approaches.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing research on shale gas risks.
- Analysis of observed and potential hazards and mitigation strategies.
- Assessment of current U.S. regulatory frameworks and governance initiatives.
Main Results:
- Significant knowledge gaps exist in areas like public health, ecosystems, air quality, socioeconomic impacts, and climate change.
- Current research is insufficient to confirm or preclude major impacts in these domains.
- The U.S. employs a decentralized, state-focused regulatory system with evolving governance challenges.
Conclusions:
- Coordinated, multiagency federal research is essential to address knowledge gaps and uncertainties.
- New governance initiatives, including voluntary certification and financial instruments, warrant consideration.
- Improved understanding and management of shale gas impacts require a comprehensive approach.
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