Shale gas drilling info provided at meeting

The New Brunswick governmentis hosting a meeting Saturday in Sussex for people interested in finding out more about shale gas exploration.

Shale gas is a natural gas option for nations wanting to reduce their dependence on expensive oil imports. Ithas become a common choicein the United States and interest has spread to potential gas shales in Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Some analysts expect that shale gas will greatly expand worldwide energy supply.

The provincial government is inviting people who have questions about landowner rights, the environment, economic benefits and jobs.

There were protests in Norton and Sackville when companies announced they wanted to conductseismictesting for natural gas.

Many people are concerned about the hydraulic fracturing process that is used to extract the shale gas. The concern over the drillingmethod has caused several groups to hold public meetings to explain the technique.

Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northruphas just returnedfrom a tour of shale gas operations in Arkansas.

"I think it's going to be the best thing that happened to New Brunswick in a long, long time," said Northrup. "But we want to do it right, that's the key."

There are three companies currently searching for shale gas in New Brunswick.

Corridor Resources is exploring in the Sussex region. Its Texan partner Apache is exploring the Elgin basin.

If sufficient gas is found, Apache and Corridor Resources could team up on drilling as many as 480 new wells in the area.

Southwestern Energy has interests in several locations across southern New Brunswick.

The open house runs from 12:30 to 4:30 Saturday afternoon at the Sussex legion.