[thackney]

The article is discussing the technical challenges of the formation, not the political roadblocks.

[Amagi]

Not that many years ago shale oil was thought to be unobtainable, at least economically.
When it became obtainable there began to appear reasons why the oil shouldn't be retrieved, such as danger to the water table.
Yes, I endeavor not to underestimate the politics behind anything involving accessing the nation's energy resources.