Oil shale needs closer look, NWF says

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- A decision by the U.S. Department of Interior to take another look at oil shale development on public lands is a much-needed step, an environmental group said.

The Interior Department said it would re-examine leases for oil shale exploration on public land as part of a settlement with conservation groups, including the National Wildlife Federation.

Oil and gas stocks locked in shale deposits are emerging as attractive assets for international energy companies looking for new reserves. Environmentalists argue, however, that the practice of unlocking natural resources for shale formations does more harm than good.

The National Wildlife Federation complains oil shale development consumes vital water reserves and destroys land that hunters, ranchers and farmers depend on for their well-being.

"Energy companies should not be allowed to experiment on our public lands, especially when the rewards are non-existent," said NWF Chairman Craig Thompson.

The NWF settlement with the Department of Interior doesn't close public lands to oil shale development, though the department is obliged to balance energy with conservation.

The NWF said exploiting shale for energy is "still far beyond the foreseeable future."