France and the United Kingdom possess substantial shale gas reserves. Similarly, both countries’ mineral-rights regimes are state-controlled. In both states, firm and government officials have expressed interest in these reserves to stimulate economic growth and enhance energy security. In France, a Sarkozy-led government’s blunder would trigger a wave of resistance that in 2011 fostered the first ban in the world of the fracking technique. In 2012, Cameron’s government announced its intention to put the U.K. “at the heart of the shale gas revolution.” As of August 2015, however, not a single drilling site was in operation. As in France, a British anti-fracking movement has raised the same objections to the industry. This along with fractures within the government have contributed to a halt in development. Dr. Ilia Murtazashvili, Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, will offer remarks in response to Dr. Keeler's presentation.

Lunch will be provided to preregistered attendees. Please RSVP here by March 1st: http://tinyurl.com/zucnh6b

Cosponsored with: The Shale Gas Governance Center, GSPIA