The unconventional gas revolution is already well underway in the United States, with significant effects on gas prices and CO2 emissions. But with the same technologies, light tight oil (LTO) is reshaping U.S. infrastructure, reducing energy imports and affecting benchmark oil prices. While both resources have the potential to contribute significantly to American energy security and improve the United States" terms of trade, policy uncertainty surrounding unconventional extraction of oil and gas derives from legitimate public concerns about the social and environmental impacts of unconventional drilling, and require a response from government and industry that is both credible and effective. At this event, Maria van der Hoeven, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), presents a set of "golden rules" her organization has developed to allow for responsible regulation of unconventional gas drilling and LTO production without threatening a healthy business and investment environment.
