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ARTICLE · 17 SEPTEMBER 2010

Shale Gas: Anticipated Changes to Quebec’s Regulatory Framework

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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On August 31, 2010, Quebec’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks (the Minister) mandated the Bureau d’audiences publiques surl’ environnement (BAPE – Public Hearings on the Environment Board) to propose a framework for shale gas exploration and development in the province.

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Angelo Noce
Angelo Noce
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Copyright 2010, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Originally published in Blakes Bulletin on Energy - Oil & Gas, September 2010

On August 31, 2010, Quebec's Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks (the Minister)mandated the Bureau d'audiences publiques surl' environnement (BAPE – Public Hearings on the Environment Board) to propose a framework for shale gas exploration and development in the province.The Quebec government intends to table oil and gas legislation in the spring of 2011.

Shale gas in the Province of Quebec

Shale gas is natural gas trapped in rock formations called shale located 1,000 to 3,000 metres below ground level. New technology has made extracting this gas economically viable. This is done by drilling horizontal wells and fracturing the shale using pressurized water and other additives.

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