Supporting Safe and Responsible Development of Unconventional Domestic Natural Gas Resources

Executive Order 13605 of April 13, 2012

Supporting Safe and Responsible Development of
Unconventional Domestic Natural Gas Resources

By the authority vested in me as President by the
Constitution and the laws of the United States of
America, and in order to coordinate the efforts of
Federal agencies responsible for overseeing the safe
and responsible development of unconventional domestic
natural gas resources and associated infrastructure and
to help reduce our dependence on oil, it is hereby
ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. In 2011, natural gas provided 25
percent of the energy consumed in the United States.
Its production creates jobs and provides economic
benefits to the entire domestic production supply
chain, as well as to chemical and other manufacturers,
who benefit from lower feedstock and energy costs. By
helping to power our transportation system, greater use
of natural gas can also reduce our dependence on oil.
And with appropriate safeguards, natural gas can
provide a cleaner source of energy than other fossil
fuels.

For these reasons, it is vital that we take full
advantage of our natural gas resources, while giving
American families and communities confidence that
natural and cultural resources, air and water quality,
and public health and safety will not be compromised.

While natural gas production is carried out by private
firms, and States are the primary regulators of onshore
oil and gas activities, the Federal Government has an
important role to play by regulating oil and gas
activities on public and Indian trust lands,
encouraging greater use of natural gas in
transportation, supporting research and development
aimed at improving the safety of natural gas
development and transportation activities, and setting
sensible, cost-effective public health and
environmental standards to implement Federal law and
augment State safeguards.

Because efforts to promote safe, responsible, and
efficient development of unconventional domestic
natural gas resources are underway at a number of
executive departments and agencies (agencies), close
interagency coordination is important for effective
implementation of these programs and activities. To
formalize and promote ongoing interagency coordination,
this order establishes a high-level, interagency
working group that will facilitate coordinated
Administration policy efforts to support safe and
responsible unconventional domestic natural gas
development.

Sec. 2. Interagency Working Group to Support Safe and
Responsible Development of Unconventional Domestic
Natural Gas Resources. There is established an
Interagency Working Group to Support Safe and
Responsible Development of Unconventional Domestic
Natural Gas Resources (Working Group), to be chaired by
the Director of the Domestic Policy Council, or a
designated representative.

    (a) Membership. In addition to the Chair, the
Working Group shall include deputy-level
representatives or equivalent officials, designated by
the head of the respective agency or office, from:

(i) the Department of Defense;

(ii) the Department of the Interior;

(iii) the Department of Agriculture;

(iv) the Department of Commerce;

(v) the Department of Health and Human Services;

(vi) the Department of Transportation;

(vii) the Department of Energy;

(viii) the Department of Homeland Security;

(ix) the Environmental Protection Agency;

(x) the Council on Environmental Quality;

(xi) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;

(xii) the Office of Management and Budget;

(xiii) the National Economic Council; and

(xiv) such other agencies or offices as the Chair may invite to
participate.

    (b) Functions. Consistent with the authorities and
responsibilities of participating agencies and offices,
the Working Group shall support the safe and
responsible production of domestic unconventional
natural gas by performing the following functions:

(i) coordinate agency policy activities, ensuring their efficient and
effective operation and facilitating cooperation among agencies, as
appropriate;

(ii) coordinate among agencies the sharing of scientific, environmental,
and related technical and economic information;

(iii) engage in long-term planning and ensure coordination among the
appropriate Federal entities with respect to such issues as research,
natural resource assessment, and the development of infrastructure;

(iv) promote interagency communication with stakeholders; and

(v) consult with other agencies and offices as appropriate.

Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be
implemented consistent with applicable law and subject
to the availability of appropriations.

    (b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to
impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the
head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (c) This order is not intended to, and does not,
create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural,
enforceable at law or in equity by any party against
the United States, its departments, agencies, or
entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any
other person.

    (Presidential Sig.)

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    April 13, 2012.