The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[OakesCS]

EIA shale gas est.

growing scrutiny from Congress about how the administration calculates its numbers and why it depends on outside and industry-tied consultants to produce some of its reports.

might it be because the experts and data are outside gov't? Why would this deserve scrutiny?

Accurate estimates are important for lawmakers who are making long-term decisions about subsidies and policies relating to the nation’s energy mix. They are also essential for landowners and investors as they decide where and whether to lease their land to drillers or invest in gas companies.

complete bullocks!

Some market analysts say that the large differences between public estimates for natural gas resources provide further evidence that there may be more risk and uncertainty involved with gas drilling than many investors realize.

not startling. similar statements apply equally well to many investment areas, e.g. finance and biotech. So what? Is the nanny state gonna regulate my investment decisions now?

A spokesman for the administration added that ... drilling costs and well performance may have a larger impact on future natural gas productio

outstanding. quit reading at that point.