ABOUT US

PSE is dedicated to supplying vetted resources and solid scientific information on issues surrounding unconventional oil and gas production, other novel forms of energy production, and the transition to renewable energy portfolios.

PSE operationalizes its mission by drawing on intellectual resources from diverse scientific disciplines to examine the empirical bases and assumptions of unconventional energy production as well as the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies.  PSE counters unsupported assertions by fact-checking and disseminating carefully vetted, peer-reviewed, evidence-based information to enable a level playing field for citizens, advocacy groups, the media, and policy-makers.

Our Principles

• Energy production, transmission, and use have climate, ecosystem, and human health effects.

• Novel and unconventional energy resources require an evidence-based evaluation using the best available scientific information and rigorous, objective scientific studies to evaluate their true costs prior to widespread deployment.

• The decision to proceed with any energy extraction should be based upon a democratic process taking risk management and informed consent into account.

• Full life-cycle analysis of energy extraction requires a multi-disciplinary approach involving a range of expertise from a diverse group of qualified individuals.

• Energy extraction frequently has a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged, disenfranchised and geographically or economically vulnerable populations.

• The assumption that extraction of unconventional fossil fuels provides a bridge from a non-renewable to a renewable energy economy requires a critical evaluation.

• Scientists, engineers, and physicians who work together are in a unique position to evaluate the social, health, and environmental dimensions of unconventional energy issues.

• Alternative proposals are needed to meet global energy requirements and should be based upon principles of energy efficiency, renewability, and health and environmental safety.