The State of State Shale Gas Regulation:
Maps of State Regulations
Nathan Richardson, Madeline Gottlieb, Alan Krupnick and Hannah Wiseman
Experts in RFF's Center for Energy Economics and Policy are analyzing regulations and surveying regulators
in the 31 states in the continental United States that have significant shale gas reserves or where industry
has shown interest in shale gas development. The following maps show the preliminary results of these
efforts for approximately 20 important regulatory elements in each state.
A final report that includes all updated maps, tables, and additional analysis is available at
www.rff.org/shalemaps. In the meantime, suggestions and comments are welcome and can be sent to
richardson@rff.org.
Last updated 6/1/2013. Regulatory data current as of 3/1/2013.
In study
(31 states)
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
Not in study
(19 states)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
States Surveyed
Setback Restrictions from Buildings
500
100
350
300
200
500
500
100–
200
200
625
150
200
1,000
200
330
200
Building setback restriction (ft.)
(20 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(11 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/25/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
200
Setback Restrictions from Water Sources
350
150–
2,000
300
50
300–
1,000
100–
1,000
660
1,000
Water supply setback restriction (ft.)
(12 states)
Discretionary standard
(1 state)
No evidence of regulation found
(18 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
100
Pre-drilling Water Well Testing Requirements
0.19
0.5
0.25
0.28
0.19
0.09
Testing required (miles from well)
(8 states)
Liability rule
(1 state)
No evidence of regulation found
(22 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 5/15/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
1
Casing and Cementing Depth Regulations
50
75
100
120
50
50
50
30
50
100
30
50
100
Min. casing/cementing depth
(ft. below fresh water) (21 states)
Performance standard
(5 states)
Addressed in permit
(3 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(2 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/25/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
50
50
Specified cement type requirements
(11 states)
Addressed in permit
(6 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(14 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Cement Type Regulations
Cementing to surface required
(28 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(3 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 5/15/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Surface Casing Cement Circulation Regulations
Intermediate Casing Cement Circulation Regulations
200
500
500
200
Cementing required to surface
(4 states)
Performance standard
(1 state)
Cementing required to specified distance
above shoe/hydrocarbon zone (ft.) (6 states)
Addressed in permit
(8 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(12 states)
Not in study
600
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 5/15/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
200
Production Casing Cement Circulation Regulations
200
500
1,000
250
500
200
500
500
500
500
Cementing required to surface
(2 states)
Cementing required to specified distance
above shoe/hydrocarbon zone (ft.) (12 states)
Addressed in permit
(10 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(7 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 5/15/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
600
500
Water Withdrawal Regulations
50.4
0
20
100
25.92
0
100
0
0
0
100
0
7
0
0
0
300
10
100
10
0
20
0
100
100
100
100
0
Permit required over threshold
shown (1,000 gal/day) (21 states)
Registration & reporting required over
threshold shown (1,000 gal/day) (4 states)
Permit, registration & reporting required over
threshold shown (1,000 gal/day) (5 states)
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
No evidence of regulation found (1 state)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Not in study
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
0
100
Disclosure required
(14 states)
Disclosure required, with exclusions
(1 state)
Proposed disclosure requirement
(3 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(13 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Fracturing Fluid Disclosure Requirements
Sealed tanks required for some
fluids (10 states)
Pits allowed & regulated for all fluids
(16 states)
Permit required for all pits/tanks
(3 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(2 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Fluid Storage Options
Freeboard Requirements
3
2
2
2
2
2–3
2
1–2.5
1.5–3
2
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
Freeboard requirement (ft.)
(17 states)
Limited freeboard requirement (ft.)
(1 state)
Addressed in permit
(1 state)
No evidence of regulation found
(12 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
2
Pit Liner Requirements
30
12
20
20
24
20
20
30
10
20
Discretionary standard
(1 state)
Pit liner thickness requirement (mils)
(21 states)
Addressed in permit
(4 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(5 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 5/13/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
40
Statewide ban
(1 state)
Allowed, but regulated by state, some local
bans/moratoria (3 states)
Allowed, but regulated by state
(27 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Underground Fluid Injection Requirements
Wastewater Transportation Tracking Regulations
2
5
5
3
5
3
3
3
3
Permit or approval required
(2 states)
Recordkeeping required (years)
(4 states)
Permit/approval & recordkeeping required
(years) (11 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(14 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
5
Venting banned
(6 states)
Venting restricted
(11 states)
Discretionary standard
(4 states)
Notice and approval required
(1 state)
No evidence of regulation found
(9 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Venting Regulations
Flaring restricted
(15 states)
Discretionary standard
(4 states)
Notice and approval required
(1 state)
No evidence of regulation found
(11 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Flaring Regulations
% of extracted gas value
(18 states)
Fixed amount per unit of extracted gas
(5 states)
Hybrid fixed amount/percentage calculation
(3 states)
No severance tax
(5 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Severance Tax Calculation Method
Severance Taxes at $2.46/Mcf Gas Price
6%
14.76¢
3.78%
9.3¢
0.53%
1.3¢
3.82%
9.4¢
4.5%
11.07¢
5%
12.3¢
3%
7.38¢
5%
12.3¢
3.75%
9.23¢
<7¢/Mcf
8%
19.68¢
7%
17.22¢
7.5%
18.45¢
7-14¢/Mcf
0.1% 1.22%
0.25¢
3¢
1.02%
2.5¢
4.5%
11.07¢
7%
17.22¢
3% 7.38¢
6.67% 6%
16.4¢ 14.76¢
5%
12.3¢
1%
2.46¢
7%
17.22¢
0.02%
0.05¢
8%
19.68¢
14-21¢/Mcf
21-28¢/Mcf
28-35¢/Mcf
35-42¢/Mcf
No severance tax
>42¢/Mcf
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 5/13/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
9%
22.14¢
Severance Taxes at $5.40/Mcf Gas Price
6%
32.4¢
0.24%
1.3¢
4.44%
24¢
1.74%
9.4¢
4.5%
24.3¢
5%
27¢
3%
16.2¢
5%
27¢
3.75%
20.25¢
<7¢/Mcf
8%
43.2¢
7%
37.8¢
7.5%
40.5¢
7-14¢/Mcf
0.1%
0.54¢
1%
5.4¢
0.46%
2.5¢
4.5%
24.3¢
7%
37.8¢
3.04%
16.4¢
3% 16.2¢
5%
27¢
1%
5.4¢
7%
37.8¢
0.01%
0.05¢
6%
8%
32.4¢ 43.2¢
14-21¢/Mcf
21-28¢/Mcf
28-35¢/Mcf
35-42¢/Mcf
No severance tax
>42¢/Mcf
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 5/13/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
9%
48.6¢
Well Idle Time Regulations
12
12
24
12
12
12
12
2
24
6
300
12
12–24
12
3
12
12
1
12
24
6
12
12
6
6
6
Idle time permitted (months)
(28 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(3 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
60
Temporary Abandonment Regulations
12
3
6
24
12
60
12
6
60
24
12
60
12
60
24
60
36
6
12
3
No temp. abandonment status in
state regulations (6 states)
Temporary abandonment permitted
(months) (22 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(3 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
12
Accident Reporting Requirements
0
24
2
0
24
8
2
48
0
24
24
24
24
0–24
2
2
24
0
0
2–24
2–
48
0
0
1–24
Accident reporting required (maximum hours
after accident) (26 states)
No evidence of regulation found
(5 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
24
Statewide ban
(1 state)
Statewide moratorium
(de jure/de facto) (3 states)
Past statewide moratorium
(1 state)
Local bans/moratoria
(8 states)
No ban/moratorium
(18 states)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Fracking Bans and Moratoria
3-6
(6 states)
2
(16 states)
1
(8 states)
0
(1 state)
Not in study
Top 5 states by number of natural gas wells (2011)
States with no natural gas wells (2011)
Source: US Energy Information Administration. Number of Producing Gas Wells.
http://www.eia.gov/dnav/ng/ng_prod_wells_s1_a.htm.
Resources for the Future. Last updated 4/17/2013. Based on wikimedia US
map by Theshibboleth. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed
under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Number of State Regulating Agencies