A panel discussion on a controversial method of extracting natural gas from shale will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 4 p.m. in Kroon Hall at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (F&ES). A reception will follow in the Knobloch Environment Center.

The discussion will explore whether hydraulic fracturing, better known as hydrofracking or fracking, will enhance America’s energy security, or deter the development of renewable energy sources and foster a continuing dependence on fossil fuels.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the economic, energy and environmental implications of shale gas development,” said David Skelly, F&ES professor of ecology and associate dean for research. “Hydraulic fracturing is little understood, but it has the potential to have a profound impact on this nation’s energy security, public health and global climate.”

The event will feature four distinguished panelists:

• John Hofmeister, a former Shell Oil executive and Founder/CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy;
• Bill McKibben, an environmental journalist and founder of the grassroots climate campaign 350.org;
• Sheila Olmstead, a fellow at the nonpartisan think tank Resources for the Future; and
• James Saiers, F&ES professor of hydrology and a water chemistry expert

Brad Gentry, director of the Center for Business and the Environment at Yale and F&ES Professor in the Practice, will be the moderator.

This event is part of the GE Colloquium in Sustainability Leadership, a speaker series focused on sustainability careers in the corporate sector, which is sponsored by the GE Foundation.