In an effort to bolster public and federal confidence in the US energy industry, Chief Oil and Gas will voluntarily submit samples of the additives used in gas fracturing in the Marcellus Shale for environmental testing.

Michael Radler, the company's chief operating officer, said that Chief endeavours to ensure "open, transparent and honest communication" between the energy industry and federal regulators.

"The Marcellus Shale is an enormous opportunity for all who live miles above it and Chief is fully committed to working to achieve the proper balance while developing this game-changing US natural gas resource," he added.

This will include the creation of oil and gas training initiatives to provide local workers with the skills necessary to excel in the shale sector, as well as infrastructural development projects.

Exploration of US oil and gas reserves has come under intense focus since the Deepwater Horizon spill began in April and the Obama administration has placed a moratorium on all offshore drilling.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development