The growth of the domestic shale industry has presented new challenges and opportunities. Despite the industry’s consistent pursuit of environmental stewardship, it has faced lawsuits on multiple fronts—both in courts and before state administrative environmental appeal bodies. The unique qualities of these tribunals and the commonality of strategic considerations among parallel proceedings merit a practical assessment of the challenges and opportunities for effective coordination and advocacy.
Environmental challenges to shale development have spanned multiple venues and covered a variety of issues, such as leasing activity, the permitting and approval process, air quality, water quantity and quality, methane gas migration and waste management.
