Oil and Gas
Exploring the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of the oil and gas sector, including research on how shale development affects communities, public finances, greenhouse gas emissions, and more. RFF also hosts the Shale Research Clearinghouse (SHARC), an interactive tool that provides access to the latest research on the positive and negative impacts of oil and gas development, as well as critical reviews of this literature.
Global Energy Outlook
Explore the definitive comparative analysis of global energy projections.
Open the Data Tool
The Community Impacts of Oil and Gas Development
Read RFF's research on the local impacts of oil and gas.
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Shale Research Clearinghouse
Explore research on the economic, health, and environmental impacts of oil and gas development.
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Media Highlight — Jul 23, 2020
"California still doesn’t have a plan to bring back clean energy jobs lost to COVID-19"
Los Angles Times features report on abandoned oil and gas wells by RFF and Columbia’s Center on Global Energy Policy.
Common Resources — Jul 23, 2020
The Potential for Plugging Abandoned Wells as Green Economic Stimulus
This infographic from a new report by Resources for the Future and Columbia University examines the potential of a federal program to create jobs through plugging orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells.
Report — Jul 20, 2020
Green Stimulus for Oil and Gas Workers: Considering a Major Federal Effort to Plug Orphaned and Abandoned Wells
This paper, a joint effort between Resources for the Future and the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, examines the potential to boost US employment in the oil and gas workforce while also reducing pollution through a federal program to plug orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells.
Report — Jul 20, 2020
Green Stimulus for Oil and Gas Workers: Considering a Major Federal Effort to Plug Orphaned and Abandoned Wells
This paper, a joint effort between Resources for the Future and the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University, examines the potential to boost US employment in the oil and gas workforce while also reducing pollution through a federal program to plug orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells.
Journal Article — May 21, 2020
Satellite Detection of Air Pollution: Air Quality Impacts of Shale Gas Development in Pennsylvania
This paper estimates the impact of shale gas development on local pollution by examining a setting in Pennsylvania.
Report — May 20, 2020
Global Energy Outlook Comparison Methods: 2020 Update
An update to a harmonization methodology previously developed in 2015 to allow apples-to-apples comparisons of long-term global energy projections issued by leading international energy agencies.
RFF Live — May 20, 2020
The Global Energy Outlook: What Has Changed Due to COVID-19?
A discussion on the implications of the coronavirus pandemic for the global energy system.
RFF Live — Apr 24, 2020
Greening Gas: Creating a Market for Low-Methane Natural Gas
Examining potential opportunities and issues related to the creation of a market for "green" gas
Policy Leadership Series — Sep 4, 2019
Policy Leadership Series with FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee
A conversation with FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee on the state of US energy markets, energy policy, and climate change
Media Highlight — Jul 23, 2020
"California still doesn’t have a plan to bring back clean energy jobs lost to COVID-19"
Los Angles Times features report on abandoned oil and gas wells by RFF and Columbia’s Center on Global Energy Policy.
Press Release — Jul 20, 2020
New Research Examines Environmental, Job Creation Benefits of Plugging Orphaned and Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
Amid record unemployment rates, new research examines the potential for a federal program to plug half a million oil and gas wells and create more than 120,000 energy sector jobs while reducing methane emissions to fight climate change.
Media Highlight — Jul 20, 2020
"Plugging abandoned oil and gas wells could be a jobs boon for the U.S."
Axios article highlights RFF and Columbia’s Center on Global Energy Policy report on abandoned oil and gas wells.
Common Resources — Jul 23, 2020
The Potential for Plugging Abandoned Wells as Green Economic Stimulus
This infographic from a new report by Resources for the Future and Columbia University examines the potential of a federal program to create jobs through plugging orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells.
Common Resources — May 7, 2020
Keep it in the Ground? It's Not a Simple Yes or No
By creating a market for low-methane natural gas, we can continue utilizing a valuable resource in high demand—while still reducing emissions.
Common Resources — Apr 24, 2020
Stimulus Options for the Oil Patch
In the wake of COVID-19, we can aid the oil and gas industry while still protecting the environment.