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Title: Shale oil: U. S. and world resources and prospects for near-term commercialization in the United States

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6142341

Although the United States has large resources of shale oil, several decades of development effort have yet to result in a viable industry. Because both the cost of the oil and the environmental impact of its production are not well known and seem to remain perennially at the margin of acceptability, the matter of commercialization has become a political issue. A variety of economic incentives and government programs to encourage commercial development have been proposed - some implemented - and several industrial corporations are proceeding cautiously. Conflicting political, economic, and environmental views, however, continue to preclude a decisive commitment and it does not appear at this time that significant quantities of shale oil will be available in the next decade, or probably even longer.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Inc., TN (USA). Inst. for Energy Analysis
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-05-0033
OSTI ID:
6142341
Report Number(s):
ORAU/IEA-79-8(R)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English