The Oil and Gas Evolution: Learning from the Hydraulic Fracturing Experiences in North Dakota and West Virginia

Authors

Joshua P. Fershee

Publication Date

10-1-2012

Document Type

Symposium

Abstract

This Article will thus consider major differences and similarities in United States oil and gas extraction via hydraulic fracturing through a comparison of the experiences in North Dakota and West Virginia. Although there are other parts of the country experiencing growth in oil and gas extraction, Pennsylvania and Texas are two good examples, North Dakota and West Virginia are particularly apt for comparison. Both states have relatively small populations, meaning that the impact of large-scale energy extraction in each state is likely to have a large impact on the state, economically, environmentally, and socially. There are three main areas worth considering in this comparison. In Part II, this Article will discuss the impact of the oil industry in North Dakota and the gas industry in West Virginia. Part II will also consider some of the financial, environmental, and social impacts of the hydraulic fracturing boom. Part III will then consider the legislative and regulatory landscape of both states and how each state's approach to enforcement and planning can and is likely to impact development in the state. Finally, this Article concludes that the North Dakota and West Virginia experiences can and should inform state and federal policy with regard to hydraulic fracturing and energy policy generally and provides some suggestions about how best to maximize the value of the lessons already learned.

DOI

10.37419/TWLR.V19.I1.2

First Page

23

Last Page

36

Recommended Citation

Joshua P. Fershee, The Oil and Gas Evolution: Learning from the Hydraulic Fracturing Experiences in North Dakota and West Virginia, 19 Tex. Wesleyan L. Rev. 23 (2012).
Available at: https://doi.org/10.37419/TWLR.V19.I1.2