The impetus for this edited volume arose out of the information, and oft en misinformation, regarding shale gas development that has been reported in the media, primarily in the UK, but also in other jurisdictions, including Europe and Australia. The first shale gas exploratory well in the UK to undergo hydraulic fracturing was located at Preese Hall, Lancashire and occurred in 2011. During the hydraulic fracturing operation, seismic activity occurred, and the hydraulic fracture was halted. Soon aft er a UK government moratorium was implemented, which has since been lift ed aft er scientific and regulatory reviews were undertaken, recommendations made, and those recommendations implemented. Yet the public debate, demonstrations, and division over shale gas extraction, and ‘fracking’ in particular (as hydraulic fracturing is colloquially known as), remains. What also remains a constant in the media is the impression that shale gas extraction is synonymous with ‘fracking’, and that it occurs all the time. The role that ‘fracking’ plays in shale gas extraction is oft en poorly understood by the public, with references to the US experience in shale gas extraction common. Another common public misconception surrounding shale gas extraction is that of the regulatory framework. Again, the experiences of regulation in the USA are commonly cited, oft en with mistaken reference to ‘poor’ or ‘bad’ laws. It is against this backdrop that the idea of this handbook was born, with it overarching aim to attempt to dispel the myths and misinformation surrounding shale gas extraction through a comprehensive consideration of shale gas law and policy.

This work assembles some of the finest shale gas scholars in the world to provide an academic assessment of the governance of shale gas extraction. Aimed at academics, policy-makers, scholars, NGOs, decision-makers and community groups, this handbook brings together legal academics, geologists, engineers, economists and political scientists to provide a comprehensive overview of the governance framework for shale gas.