The development and production of oil and gas in the U.S. is regulated under a complex set of federal, state, and local laws that address every aspect of exploration and operation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administers most of the federal laws focusing on standards for drinking water and quality. Resource development on federally-owned lands and waters is managed primarily by the U.S. Department of the Interior via the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. State regulations have been at the forefront of oil and gas exploration since the 1930s. These regulatory programs, which are as varied as the geography, geology, ecosystems, and social fabric of the U.S., are intended to be flexible, yet effective, in providing environmental protection and regulation. Local control over oil and gas is limited to zoning issues such as project locations, noise and traffic.

Although regulation of oil and gas operations has existed for more than 100 years, the debate surrounding access America's fossil fuel resources has become increasingly polarized over the past decade. Federal and state decision makers are facing greater pressure from vocal anti-energy organizations to create regulations that will curtail future oil and gas exploration.

This presentation will address the landscape for energy policy in the U.S., including state and federal elections, regulatory reform and roadblocks to domestic energy production.