Shale Gas

Shale Gas: The Biggest Development in Energy in 50 Years

Shale gas is a critical component of a comprehensive domestic energy plan that encourages the development of the entire portfolio of energy sources, including fossil fuels, renewables and energy efficiency. 

Access to vast new supplies of domestic shale gas, rich in the ethane needed for chemical production, is revitalizing the chemical industry and America’s manufacturing base. 

To maximize the economic potential of natural gas, however, we need policies and regulations that enable access to this immense supply of natural gas, while keeping natural gas markets stable and protecting the environment. By promoting best practices and working closely with state regulators and policymakers, we can ensure that regulations and laws promote innovation, energy security and economic growth while encouraging responsible energy production.

Chemistry: Driving an American Manufacturing Renaissance 

Chemistry is doing what no other industry can do – leveraging an estimated 100-year supply of natural gas from shale to revitalize America's manufacturing sector, drive U.S. competitiveness and boost exports, create new, high-paying manufacturing jobs and significantly improve our nation’s energy security.

American chemistry relies on abundant, affordable natural gas as a source of energy and as a raw material, or “feedstock,” to make the chemical building blocks that go into nearly 96% of all domestic manufactured goods.

A recent ACC study showed that an increase of just 25% in ethane supplies from shale gas could create 400,000 new jobs in the chemical and supplier industries and other dependent sectors, and generate more than $132 billion in U.S. economic output and $4.4 billion in new annual tax revenues.

Many U.S. chemical companies have already announced plans to build new plants, restart facilities or make new investments along America’s industrial heartland – in states like West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania – and along the Gulf, producing billions in needed revenues for struggling economies.

Our Policy Position

A comprehensive energy strategy must increase the production of domestic energy supplies while implementing balanced regulatory policies that protect our environment. 

• To maximize the national benefits of shale gas, energy policy must avoid undue restrictions on natural gas supplies from shale deposits.

• State oversight of hydraulic fracturing is appropriate since state governments have the knowledge to oversee the process in their jurisdictions.

• The use of various products of chemistry in hydraulic fracturing must be transparent while protecting proprietary information.

• Government policies should not undermine the availability of domestic natural gas.

Recent Press

• Dooley: Ohio Needs Energy-Focused Regulations to Preserve Shale-Gas Boom 
• Shale Gas Can Help Grow Jobs 
• White House Report Confirms Importance of Shale Gas to U.S. Manufacturing, Economic Revival