THE REAL EFFECTS OF FRACKING

The Real Effects of Fracking

The Real Effects of Fracking

Introduction

While most—if not all—shale gas states have encouraged energy companies to explore for and develop in-state gas resources, a number of state officials have taken additional steps public policy-wise to ensure that fracking operations do not produce adverse ecological and health-related impacts. My goal in this article is to offer a very preliminary assessment of why selected state policy makers choose to adopt policies (including regulations) that offer a greater degree of environmental protection. What factors increase the likelihood that a state will either retain more prodevelopment ...