A Critical Examination of the Silencing of Educational Stakeholders in Pennsylvania's Quest for Energy Dominance

• In Event: Roundtable Session 42
  In Roundtable Session: The Politics of Education in Theory and Practice

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing has changed the face of rural Pennsylvania over the past seven years. Rapid expansion of drilling has been accompanied by promises for economic growth and job opportunities, as well as social and environmental ramifications. Powerful state and industry officials have determined the rules and regulations that guide industry presence, resulting in political and economic winners and losers. Working from a social exclusion framework, this research investigates the challenges faced by rural schools and communities as a result of industry driven politics and subsequent policy; Act 13 (2012) in Pennsylvania which, amongst many things, imposes an impact fee on drilled unconventional natural gas wells in lieu of the more commonly used practice of a statewide severance tax.

Authors

• Kathleen Provinzano, Drexel University

• Erin McHenry-Sorber, West Virginia University