Written by members of the ABA Section of Litigation’s Energy Litigation committee, this book addresses the explosion of litigation issues stemming from the growth of the shale gas industry. The book begins with an overview of the geology, exploration, drilling, and production of shale plays, and introduces the shale plays and their individual properties regionally. Common litigation issues in shale plays are identified, including recovery of personal injury and property damages related to hydraulic fracturing, lawsuits between governmental entities, and challenges to disclosure regulations related to the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. Also highlighted are water rights and water use, as competition for water and a significant uptick in regulation related to the use of water will generate litigation related to the use of water in oil and gas operations. The authors also provide a broad regional overview of the statutory and regulatory schemes that govern water use in oil and gas producing states, and highlight potential areas for disputes.