Shale Energy Working Group

With the recent growth of shale gas exploration and development in the state, Ohio’s colleges and universities are in a unique position to identify issues and opportunities for the higher education community to assist in maximizing the economic potential of these technologies as well as reduce the downside risks associated with these extractive resources.  The aim of this exercise is to create an environment that integrates shale gas into the portfolio of energy technologies, protects Ohio jobs, and grows the state’s economy and, at the same time, addresses the environmental and economic challenges associated with the extraction of these resources.

To aid in its future decision making on this technology, UCEAO and its member institutions will develop a set of guiding principles on shale gas exploration and extraction. These principles will direct the work of UCEAO in advocating for public policy, research, educational programming, and commercialization strategies.  The Statement of Principles developed through this exercise will be both comprehensive and flexible, so that higher education leaders may refer to and use them in discussions with their institutional leaders, other educators, industry representatives, and policy makers.  It is recognized that these Principles may need to be revised periodically to reflect current conditions as the industry expands in Ohio and more is known about the environmental impacts and economic benefits.

Develop Curriculum

• UCEAO supports the development of courses and degree programs at universities, private colleges, and community and technical colleges that train students for careers in the petroleum industry and industries that support, monitor and regulate the extraction, processing and transporting of natural gas in Ohio. 
• UCEAO supports the timely review and certification of these degree programs, where necessary, by Ohio Board of Regents.
• UCEAO supports collaboration among the universities and colleges in developing curriculum that minimizes duplication and maximizes the scope of subject areas.
• UCEAO supports the development of articulation agreements among universities and community and technical colleges that provide options for students’ to advance through degree programs.

Promote Research

• UCEAO supports public and private funding for research in areas related to the extraction, processing and transporting of natural gas and in disciplines related to the environmental and economic impacts of extraction, processing and transportation.
• UCEAO supports collaboration among universities in the development of proposals and the pursuit of funding for research.
• UCEAO supports the sharing of resources and facilities with Ohio companies interested in the development and commercialization of new technologies for application in the petroleum industry and in the monitoring of activities related to the extraction, processing and transportation of natural gas.

Disseminate Information

• UCEAO supports efforts on the part of Ohio’s universities, colleges, and community and technical colleges to become sources of accurate, unbiased information on extraction, processing and transportation of natural gas and related monitoring activities.
• UCEAO supports the development of informational content and presentations on all aspects of petroleum industry activity in Ohio appropriate for public distribution.
• UCEAO supports outreach activities on the part of academic institutions that serve their communities by providing opportunities for public forums on issues related to the petroleum industry in Ohio.
• UCEAO supports collaboration among universities and colleges in the development and dissemination of information.