The Center for Responsible Shale Development affects shale development most visibly through their rigorous performance standards and their third-party certification process. Their standards strengthen their communities, protect their environment, and help advance new technology in shale development.

Their approach has been recognized by the National Governors Association, Harvard Business School, the National Research Council, University of Michigan’s Sustainability Institute and others as a meaningful approach to minimizing environmental risks associated with shale development.

Their performance standards drive leading practices that meet, and in most instances exceed, regulations. They are not a replacement for regulation, but they believe they are complementary to regulation.