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Understanding Local Regulation of Fracking: A Spatial Econometric Approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 September 2016

Patrick J. Walsh ,
Stephen Bird  and
Martin D. Heintzelman
Patrick J. Walsh
Affiliation:
National Center for Environmental Economics of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Stephen Bird
Affiliation:
Clarkson University
Martin D. Heintzelman*
Affiliation:
Fredric C. Menz Scholar of Environmental Economics at Clarkson University School of Business
*
Correspondence: Martin D. Heintzelman ▪ Clarkson University ▪ School of Business ▪ Potsdam, NY 13699 ▪ Phone 315.268.6427 ▪ Email [email protected].
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Abstract

Fracking is a controversial practice but is thriving in many areas. We combine a comprehensive data set on local bans and moratoria in the state of New York with local-level census data and spatial characteristics in a spatial econometric analysis of local fracking policies. Some factors, including location in the Utica shale, proportion of registered Democrats, and education level, increase the probability of restrictions on fracking. Extent of local land development, location in highly productive petroleum areas, and number of extant oil and gas wells are among factors that have a negative impact on the likelihood of a ban or moratorium.

Keywords

frackinglocal policy analysisspatial econometricssurvival analysis
Type
Selected Papers
Information
Agricultural and Resource Economics Review , Volume 44 , Issue 2: Special Issue: Unconventional Gas and Oil Development: Economic and Environmental Impacts , August 2015 , pp. 138 - 163
Copyright
Copyright © 2015 Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association 

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