Social and Human Implications of the Development of Marcellus Shale
Date: December 11, 2009
Time: 2-3:30pm
Place: 302 Pond Lab
Development of Marcellus Shale, a geological deposit containing vast amounts of natural gas, has the potential to fundamentally transform northern and western Pennsylvania. Estimates of the recoverable value of the gas in Pennsylvania top $1.2 trillion, with potentially more than 100,000 jobs, increased wealth for landowners via royalty income, and significant population changes. The majority of this activity will occur in rural communities, creating opportunities but also posing significant challenges for residents, local leaders, and the environment. Drilling and related work has already begun in earnest in Pennsylvania, and industry sources indicate it will rapidly increase over the next several years.
Past experience in other states suggests communities will face major social challenges as the shale is developed, and the beginning of this is already visible in several Pennsylvania communities. Many of the critical issues arising from Marcellus are social science issues, including rapid business growth; significant personal income increases; major shifts in workforce and employment; demographic change, and implications for schools and other public services; conflicts over environmental effects, including impacts on drinking water and view sheds; social integration between newcomers and long term residents; exacerbation of existing conflicts between 'haves' and 'have nots'; and changes in crime, social problems, and human services.
The potential for dramatic social, economic, political, and cultural change raises important questions about how communities can not only react to these changes but also prepare for them in advance. These are prime social science research opportunities, with clear implications those living and working in the communities within the Marcellus Shale.
For more information, please contact:
Susan McHale
Professor of Human Development
Director, Social Science Research Institute
Director, Children, Youth and Families Consortium
605 Oswald
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-2663
x2u@psu.edu
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