Societal Implications of Unconventional Oil and Gas Development

Abstract The increase in unconventional drilling (UD) for oil and natural gas extraction—also known as fracking—in the United States has prompted a national debate with supporters and opponents who strongly defend each position. There are many important social, environmental, human health, and economic outcomes related to the practice of UD that have been the center of a debate about the practice. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the positive and negative effects of “fracking” on society at large using a social scientific framework. The first section outlines the process of UD and examines the health consequences of UD, the second section focuses on the consequences for the land and environment through interrelated policies, and the third section focuses on understanding the role of power and inequality on communities and individuals.

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