Energy Research Program: Reports

Human Health Study Critique

To be released in Spring 2019

 


 

Strategic Research Agenda

Released November, 2015

The Strategic Research Agenda on the Potential Impacts of 21st Century Oil and Natural Gas Development in the Appalachian Region and Beyond (October 2015) was prepared by the Special Scientific Committee on Unconventional Oil and Gas Development in the Appalachian Basin to answer the following question: Which potential impacts of OGD warrant priority consideration for scientific study? The Strategic Research Agenda is offered as an impartial, multidisciplinary guide for government, the oil and natural gas industry, nongovernmental organizations, and academics to work cooperatively toward improving the understanding of potential impacts and making further advances in minimizing or preventing them. It also serves as a framework within which existing research efforts fit. The Research Agenda should therefore be implemented in careful coordination with others working actively in this area.  The Research Agenda recommends research to better understand and to prevent or minimize potential impacts on human health and well-being, communities, ecological health, and the environment. The Energy Research Program represents HEI’s first step in implementing recommendations from the Research Agenda, starting with human population exposure and health.

 

Research Agenda              Research Agenda Executive Summary

 

What is 21st century oil and natural gas development?
As used in the Research Agenda, “21st century oil and natural gas development” refers to the onshore development and production of oil and natural gas from unconventional geologic resources as practiced today, recognizing that industry practices continue to change in response to evolving technologies, regulations, and other factors. For simplicity, the term is abbreviated as “OGD” in the Research Agenda.

Next Steps
The recommended research includes opportunities for government, industry, nongovernmental organizations, and academics to work cooperatively, contributing to new research and, as much as possible, building on existing research programs to expedite implementation.