The effect of industry activities on public support for ‘fracking’ |
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| Authors: | Hilary Boudet Dylan Bugden Chad Zanocco Edward Maibach |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Sociology, School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA;2. Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, USA;3. School of Public Policy, Oregon State University, Corvallis;4. Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, USA |
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| Abstract: | Research suggests that previous, current, and prospective extractive industry activities influence perceptions of new development. Studies that have drawn this conclusion, however, have usually focused on specific projects in specific communities. Here, these factors are examined on an aggregate, national scale. Combining geospatial data on extractive industry activities and survey data from a nationally representative sample (N = 1061), the influence of extractive industry activities on support for fracking is studied. While limited evidence is found for the impact of proximity to oil and gas wells or production on support for fracking, employment levels in the natural resources and mining sector in the respondent’s county and residence in an area experiencing active oil and gas development significantly increase support for fracking. The results highlight the role of spatial and community factors in shaping support for energy development. |
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| Keywords: | Hydraulic fracturing natural gas energy shale unconventional oil and gas development GIS |
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