Mark Zoback

Geophysics professor Mark Zoback testified before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources last week. The committee held the hearing to receive testimony on the first report of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board’s Shale Gas Production Subcommittee, which was released in August.

The report addressed the safety and environmental aspects of shale gas production in the U.S., a subject that has generated considerable concern in communities near shale gas reservoirs.

Zoback was one of four members of the subcommittee who gave testimony and answered questions. The subcommittee was assembled by Secretary of Energy Steven Chu at the request of President Obama.