Environmental Reviews and Case Studies: Marcellus Shale Gas Development and New Boomtown Research: Views of New York and Pennsylvania Residents

• DOI: 10.1017/s1466046612000403
• Publication Date: 2012-12-12T10:23:16Z
• Authors: Richard C. Stedman; Jeffrey B. Jacquet; Matthew R. Filteau; Fern K. Willits; Kathryn J. Brasier; Diane K. McLaughlin
• Keywords: Quarter (Canadian coin); Opposition (politics); Energy development; West virginia; Shale Gas

Development of unconventional natural gas resources in the Marcellus Shale region northeastern United States has progressed rapidly over last decade. The discourse surrounding such development recalls quarter-century-old debates about positive and negative implications for well-being energy boomtowns. Potential support or opposition relates to trust industry its regulators, perceived knowledge, impacts. Our research project takes advantage opportunity a experiment comparing these elements between two spatially adjacent sites with contrasting approaches development: Pennsylvania, drilling reserves been proceeding nearly decade, whereas, at time this writing, not begun New York. A mail survey random sample York Pennsylvania residents within revealed important differences sites. were more opposed development, characterized light, likely have engaged various forms public participation. In contrast, respondents did differ by state on their level even though is advanced Pennsylvania. explanations findings are offered, as understanding newly emerging