Assessing Gas and Oil Resources in the Intermountain West Review of Methods and Framework for a New Approach

摘要: Abstract : The availability of gas and oil resources in the Intermountain Western United States has become subject increased debate recent years. Several studies have concluded that substantial amounts region are inaccessible because legally restricted access to federal lands (e.g., National Petroleum Council, 1999; Advanced Resources International, 2001). Some stakeholders reacted by calling for reduced restrictions, while others called flawed support continued restrictions. sparked renewed interest process assessing hydrocarbon fuel resources. This report is part an energy initiative Hewlett Foundation. In this effort foundation asked RAND to: * review existing resource assessment methodologies results evaluate land restrictions West consider a set criteria can be used define "viable" resource, with particular attention issues relevant develop more comprehensive methodology viable employ assess basins.