The Contentious Politics of Hydraulic Fracturing – Elite Strategies, Advocacy Coalitions and Indigenous Movements in Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Technological advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have led to the rapid expansion in use of high-volume hydraulic fracturing to drill for unconventional natural gas. While proponents extol the virtues of fracking, in terms of creating jobs and increasing the availability of domestically sourced hydrocarbons, several key groups have mobilized in fervent opposition, raising questions regarding the economic, health, social and environmental effects for local communities and the surrounding environment. In this context of contentious environmental politics, this panel brings together scholars analyzing how actors in various contexts have mobilized around this issue. Specifically, papers address such questions as: How have organized business interests mobilized around the issue of hydraulic fracturing, and what strategies have they employed? To what extent have Indigenous groups been able to mobilize their agency against state led development projects? What types of coalitions have formed around this issue, and have they formed in predictable ways? Drawing on a range of theories and applying both qualitative and quantitative methods, papers in this panel explore the politics surrounding the use of hydraulic fracturing in different political contexts, and provide insight into the agency and discourses underlying this area of contentious politics.

Title	Details
First Nations and Fracking: Indigenous Mobilisation and Democratic Strategy in Elsipogtog, New Brunswick (Canada)	View Paper Details
Political Cleavages over Hydraulic Fracturing Policy in Canada	View Paper Details
U.S. Mobilization For and Against Fracking by Groups in Five Major Fracking States	View Paper Details