This executive summary (weblink) is part of the Hydraulic Fracturing in Michigan Integrated Assessment (IA) which has been underway since 2012. The guiding question of the IA is: “What are the best environmental, economic, social, and technological approaches for managing hydraulic fracturing in the State of Michigan?”

The purpose of the IA is to present information that:

• expands and clarifies the scope of policy options, and
• allows a wide range of decision makers to make choices based on their preferences and values.

As a result, the IA does not advocate for recommended courses of action. Rather, it presents information about the likely strengths, weaknesses, and outcomes of various options to support informed decision making.

Drawing upon the information provided by previously compiled technical reports, additional peer-reviewed materials, stakeholder input, and expert peer review, the final report offers an analysis of Michigan-specific policy options with a focus on three key areas related to high volume hydraulic fracturing: public participation, water resources and chemical use.

The approach of providing an Integrated Assessment before large-scale unconventional hydrocarbon production commences may serve as a blueprint to other states or regions.

The project was a partnership of University of Michigan's Graham Sustainability Institute, Energy Institute, Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, and Risk Science Center.