There are also technical difficulties to producing kerogen and aromatics from this, there are energy costs that are very high here, and their are environmental concerns to exploiting these resources. Just like coal gasification!
But we at least have them and should be working towards being ready to utilize in a better manner. This is where government can actually play a role! This technology when looked at comprehensively is still 10-15 years off! No reason not to move towards it. New technologies to exploit are out there!
In the meantime focus on oilsands-a still evolving industry that is still more mature than oil shale and is resolving the issues I listed above!!
Kutz