For those who are following the debate in this country on shale gas development, as I am, today’s column by David Brooks in the New York Times is a must read. 

In balanced terms, Brooks summarizes the future energy and economic potential of America’s enormous shale gas endowment – and the current debate surrounding its safe and responsible production.   The benefits of shale gas development in terms of economic growth, job creation and energy security are without question, as he points out.  The only question is whether our political leaders will permit these benefits to be realized.   

Brooks is an independent thinker and keen observer of the American political landscape, so his words carry weight.  His column makes a valuable contribution to the important debate on U.S. shale gas development.