Shale up… Oil and gas companies have partnered with environmental groups to develop performance standards for the industry. Instigated by the Center for Sustainable Shale Development, an environmental organisation in the US, the programme is voluntary and does not create any new requirements or restrictions for oil and gas companies. However, it is possible that US state regulators will look to the Performance Standards when drafting new regulations and permitting requirements, or that the Performance Standards will become unofficial “best practices” in the industry. The standards apply to unconventional oil and gas exploration, development, and gathering activities. There are 15 Performance Standards, eight addressing the prevention of contamination of groundwater and surface waters, and seven addressing the prevention of air pollution.
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