Water may be the largest challenge for western oil shale production, according to this report in the NYT. It appears that environmental groups are concerned about the acquisition of significant water rights at numerous locations in the Colorado River basin.
Here's some good news - U.S. Geological Survey has updated its 1989 assessment of oil shale in-place in the Piceance Basin in western Colorado to 1.525 trillion barrels. You can access a copy of the study here.
This report from the NYT discusses the continued investment in oil shale development despite opposition from the Obama Administration. To quote the Vice President for Energy and the Environment at Red Leaf Resources: "There are no silver bullets. We can economically and environmentally produce a number of resources, and oil shale can be a part of that going forward."
The Washington Post is reporting that Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar, has decided to scrap oil-shale development leases on federal land in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Good thing oil prices are down.
Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar, recently said that the new Administration will push an energy plan that includes a wide range of energy resources, including solar, wind, geothermal, oil and gas, and potentially oil shale, according to this report from the Salt Lake Tribune. Good to keep all options on the table.
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