A regulatory review of shale gas and tight gas in Western Australia, South Australia and Colorado

The popular opposition to the exploitation of shale gas and tight gas worldwide raises valid questions about the sustainability and regulatory capacity of Australian states and territories to manage any future development. Can regulatory frameworks be designed to address these questions to an extent that satisfies the Australian community? The thesis examines the regulatory gaps in Western Australia and South Australia in terms of land access, water access and quality protection, well technology for drilling and fracturing and decommissioning and associated issues that can be addressed by learning how Colorado regulates shale and tight gas exploitation.