When it comes to superlative descriptions of oil and gas reserves, the Utica Shale may be in a class of its own.

The rock layer that extends from Quebec to Kentucky with major concentrations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia has been called the next big play for shale gas; attracted billions of dollars in land investment, and been hailed by Chesapeake Energy chief Aubrey McClendon as “one of the biggest discoveries in US history.” Keep reading →