Economic, Environmental, and Health Impacts of the Fracking Boom

Abstract

The shale gas boom revolutionized the energy sector through hydraulic fracturing (fracking). High levels of energy production force communities, states, and nations to consider the externalities and potential risks associated with this unconventional oil and natural gas development (UOGD). In this review, we systematically outline the environmental, economic, and anthropogenic impacts of UOGD, while also considering the diverse methodological approaches to these topics. We summarize the current status and conclusions of the academic literature, in both economic and related fields, while also providing suggested avenues for future research. Causal inference will continue to be important for the evaluation of UOGD costs and benefits. We conclude that current economic, global, and health forces may require researchers to revisit outcomes in the face of a potential shale bust. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Resource Economics, Volume 13 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Boom, bust, action! How communities can cope with boom‐bust cycles in unconventional oil and gas development

“…This vertical governance exercise in service provision may require localities to hire personnel and invest in new or more equipment (Bohnenkamp et al, 2011). However, many localities instead shift new oil and gas revenue toward capital expenditures, debt reduction, or reducing budgetary burdens, rather than hiring to meet increased public service demands (Black et al, 2020; Environmental Law Institute (ELI) and Washington & Jefferson College (WJ), 2014).…”

Associations between proximity to gas production activity in counties and birth outcomes across the US

“…Since the introduction of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) to the energy landscape, the fracking boom across the United States (US) has occurred with limited regulations ( Black et al, 2021 ). Fracking, a technique used in unconventional natural gas development, creates fractures in rock formations by pumping in large quantities of fluids at high pressure ( U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2022 ).…”

Spatiotemporal Correlation Analysis of Hydraulic Fracturing and Stroke in the United States

“…The health implications and effects of fracking have not been adequately studied [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. There is a growing body of research studies on the negative impact of fracking on air and water quality [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], as well as public health [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

“…Exposure to this pollution can cause eye, nose, throat, respiratory disease, birth defects, cancer, or premature death [ 29 ]. However, little is known about whether fracking can cause life-threatening conditions such as stroke [ 8 ].…”