FREDERICTON - The debate over shale gas development in New Brunswick is posing the first real test for Premier David Alward's Conservatives, and a political scientist is giving them a failing grade.
Don Desserud of UPEI says the benefits for the public are vague and the risks seem huge.
He says the government hasn't done a good job of assuring the public the industry can be safe with sufficient regulations to protect the environment.
Opponents of shale gas have held large protests at test sites and government offices.
Liberal Leader Victor Boudreau says there should be a moratorium to make sure those regulations are in place before any further development proceeds.
Alward says people need to realize the companies are only in the exploration stage and any real development is still two years away.
He says responsible shale gas development would bolster the economy, create jobs and help young people from moving away to find work.
