Using best practices for shale gas production should be adopted worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency.

The agency’s “Golden Rules” seek to mitigate the environmental impact of the rapid shale gas expansion. Adopting the rules would reduce energy-related CO2 emissions by 1.3 percent, compared to a situation where the rules aren’t used. But per-well costs would be 7 percent higher, the agency said.

Establishing global best practices would calm public fears, allowing natural gas production and demand to expand, while moderating fuel’s price and creating jobs, according to the independent agency which monitors energy issues globally.

Those best practices should include better measurement and monintoring of the environmental impacts of shale gas production, the IEA said. The oil and gas industry should also promote  full transparency and communication with impacted communities.

While shale gas is being produced safely, IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven noted growing public skepticism.

“If the social and environmental impacts are not addressed properly, there is a very real possibility that public opposition to drilling for shale gas and other types of unconventional gas will halt the unconventional gas revolution in its tracks,” van der Hoeven said in a written statement. “The industry must win public confidence by demonstrating exemplary performance; governments must ensure that appropriate policies and regulatory regimes are in place.”

The rise of shale gas has raised environmental concerns worldwide. The technique of hydraulic fracturing – which pumps massive amounts of water, sand and chemicals deep into the ground to force out natural gas – has drawn the ire of environmental groups, who fear it contaminates aquifers and causes small earthquakes. However, little evidence exists that the process is contaminating ground water sources. Hydraulic fracturing is done at depths far below the level of most aquifers.

In a list of best practices, the independent agency, which monitors energy issues globally, called for governments and the oil and gas industry to better measure and monitor environmental impacts of Prevention of well leaks, limited gas flaring and rigorous monitoring of waste water should also be priorities, the agency said.