WSJ: Public Fears Cloud U.K. Shale Drilling

As a gas leak from Total SA's Elgin field underlines the risks of North Sea oil and gas production, the U.K.'s onshore shale-gas industry is still struggling to overcome public fears about the safety of its techniques—which could unlock a badly-needed replacement for dwindling offshore reserves.

The nascent onshore industry has the backing of the government and environmental regulators. But there are fears that if it can't convince a skeptical public its operations are safe, the U.K. could miss out on the economic benefit of a revival in domestic energy production. MORE (may require registration)