Title"Fracking" controversy and communication: Using national survey data to understand public perceptions of hydraulic fracturing
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsBoudet, H, Clarke, C, Bugden, D, Maibach, E, Roser-Renouf, C, Leiserowitz, A
JournalJEPO Energy Policy
Volume65
Pagination57 - 67
Date Published2014///
ISBN Number0301-4215
Abstract

The recent push to develop unconventional sources of oil and gas both in the U.S. and abroad via hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) has generated a great deal of controversy. Effectively engaging stakeholders and setting appropriate policies requires insights into current public perceptions of this issue. Using a nationally representative U.S. sample (N=1061), we examine public perceptions of hydraulic fracturing including: “top of mind” associations; familiarity with the issue; levels of support/opposition; and predictors of such judgments. Similar to findings on other emerging technologies, our results suggest limited familiarity with the process and its potential impacts and considerable uncertainty about whether to support it. Multiple regression analysis (r