A vast endowment of shale oil and gas in the North American energy markets could fail to reach its potential if the industry continues to fall short in building the public’s trust, according to Peter Lehner, the executive director of the National Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy organization.

Lehner was a speaker at the Baker Institute of Public Policy’s North American Energy Resources Summit that was held at Rice University in Houston in January.

In a room well-stocked with representatives of the oil and gas industry, Lehner acknowledged that untapped shale resources could help forge a path for energy independence. Yet, he had some direct, and even blistering, remarks.

“We’ve arrived at a historic moment: The country is debating our energy future. A century ago, the gusher at Spindletop offered the promise of a fundamental change in our energy mix. Many see shale gas and oil as offering another such possible fundamental change,” he said. “But these new finds come in the wake of a series of industry missteps -- the Gulf of Mexico, Nigeria, Ecuador, contaminated water across the United States -- and these have cast a dim light on the industry for a generation of Americans.”

Lehner emphasized that the extraction of fossil fuels “routinely creates challenging consequences for our communities, health, air, water and wild landscapes,” adding that “all of this new oil and gas” makes it imperative that the industry addresses climate change.

“My message to the industry and its allies is: If you really want this gas to be good for America, and not just for your profits, you must take another critical step and acknowledge the reality of climate change and accept limits on carbon dioxide pollution. Instead of fighting the future, it’s time for energy companies to help build it. Come to the table and help negotiate over carbon limits,” he said.

The United States, Lehner said, must have policies in place to ensure that natural gas will be used to supplant, rather than supplement, coal use. Then he drilled down a little deeper into the subject. “A simple switch from coal to gas will not take us where we need to go to meet the climate challenge,” he added. “Our planet simply cannot absorb the results of burning it all.”

Regarding hydraulic fracturing, Lehner said that “the public has turned against it very quickly” and that oil and gas producers are burdened with the task of changing the public’s mindset.

“It’s up to the industry to decide if the development of this oil and gas resource will remain a battle, or whether this newfound oil and gas can seem to benefit all Americans,” he said.

Lehner offered some suggestions for what he called the responsible development of natural gas: don’t allow leaky systems; use gas to phase out coal; have sound drilling and casing standards; don’t pollute the landscape with contaminated water; and drill only where it’s sensible.

“Until the industry has an uncompromising reputation for doing it right, for admitting and correcting mistakes when they are made, for accepting oversight by impartial observers and being willing to be held accountable for putting people ahead of profits, they will have a fight on their hands every time,” he said.

Contact the author, Mike Madere, at mmadere@hartenergy.com.