Speakers from major oil companies and the U.S. Department of Energy are expected to participate in a conference on the potential for shale oil production in the San Juan Basin.
The conference is scheduled to be held March 18-19 at San Juan College.
The Farmington Daily Times reports that local officials hope the Mancos Shale, a geologic layer of the San Juan Basin, will be the next big play in oil shale.
Companies are exploring the Mancos Shale, and the Times reports that its potential for production is unclear.
The basin's emphasis has been on natural gas production.
Information from: The Farmington Daily Times.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.