Presented by Constantine Samaras, Carnegie Mellon University
The increased availability of economically recoverable U.S. natural gas from shale has initiated policy debates on economic and environmental issues associated with unconventional gas production, use, and exports. Many states and communities are reaping the benefits of increased economic activity associated with unconventional natural gas production. At the same time, governments are experiencing external costs that are not directly covered from tax revenues or impact fees on oil and gas production. Objective quantitative research on these topics can inform federal, state, and local energy policy decisionmaking. This talk will highlight three recent research efforts surrounding unconventional natural gas: 1) monetized regional life cycle air quality challenges and benefits associated with Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction in Pennsylvania 2) monetized infrastructure damages to state roadways associated with Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction in Pennsylvania and 3) the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and costs associated with U.S. liquefied natural gas exports, considering additional uncertainties in the life cycle process and addressing industrial heating as an additional end use for the natural gas abroad. This research informs a more comprehensive discussion on the benefits and challenges of unconventional natural gas in the U.S.
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