ABSTRACT
The country is flush with natural gas as a result of new drilling techniquesthat have enabled energy companies to tap vast supplies that wereout of reach not so long ago. Unconventional sources of natural gas have become a major component of that future supply, and shale gas is rapidly emerging as a critical part of that resource. A key element in the emergence of shale gas production has been the refinement of cost-effective horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies. Many of the human and environmental considerations associated with shale gas production are common to all oil and gas development. New technologies and practices have been developed to meet these challenges. Landowners can be surprised to find that the mineral lease holder is entitled to reasonable use of the land surface even though they do not own the surface. Shale gas development within or near existing communities has created challenges for production companies.
