Shale Gas Subcommittee Recommends 'Increased Transparency,' 'Best Practices'

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A shale gas advisory board has released its 90-day report to the U.S. Energy Department, calling for increased transparency in industry operations and a commitment by drilling companies to utilize "best practices" to improve environmental protections.

The Natural Gas Subcommittee of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board released a 41-page draft report on Aug. 11, and said it would hold a public meeting via conference call on Aug. 15 to discuss its preliminary findings and recommendations.

"The subcommittee was tasked with producing a report on the immediate steps that can be taken to improve the safety …