COMPAS SUSTAINABILITY: Shale Gas Development in Ohio

Areas in Ohio are experiencing a surge in the development of unconventional sources of fossil fuels, especially the use of hydraulic fracturing (HF) technologies to gain access to natural gas trapped in shale rock. HF combines horizontal drilling with an extremely highpressure injection of “brine” deep underground that fractures shale rock and releases trapped bubbles of gas that then rise to the surface.

This panel will explore the environmental, economic and social burdens and benefits of this development. It will ask whether these burdens and benefits are being shared in an equitable way and whether those who are most affected have the opportunity for fair and meaningful participation in decision-making

Panel: 

Kathy Braiser
Rural Sociology, Penn State

Scott Kell
ODNR Division of Oil & Gas Resources

Greg Pace
Ohio Community Rights Network

Christopher Penrose
OSU Extension Shale Education Program

Rhonda Reda
Ohio Oil & Gas Energy Education Program