Purpose and Theoretical Framing:
Unconventional hydrocarbon development has increasingly impacted rural U.S. communities over the past decade. Sixteen states are directly affected by shale oil and gas development and the remaining 34 states are impacted to various degrees by growth in supplier networks and pipeline development. Shale gas production, led by the Marcellus and Utica plays in the Eastern U.S., is projected to reach 2/3rds of total U.S. production by 2040 (Annual Energy Outlook 2017). Rapid and pervasive shale energy development has impacted the economies, socio-cultural systems and built/natural environment in energy-rich rural communities. There exists a critical need for current, unbiased scientific research that can be clearly understood by community residents and stakeholders with application to local circumstances.
In 2016 Cooperative Extension Service professionals from Ohio and Pennsylvania formed a team to examine community engagement in three shale impacted regions of the U.S. They sought to understand how engagement was initialed and by whom, and identify best practice case study examples. Included in this study was an examination of diverse methods used and the variety of players involved, and their roles, in relaying scientific information about shale development impacts to the concerned public. The purpose of this research was to identify best practices and lessons learned in order to benefit professionals and stakeholders in developing effective responses to the impacts of shale energy development.
Methods and Data Used:
The Extension Team’s research approach involved the following:
- A literature search on community engagement, outreach and education approaches in the Ohio and Pennsylvania Utica/Point Pleasant and Marcellus shale plays to identify best practices in delivering science-based information.
- Input from various community educators and stakeholders in the shale plays of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
- Experiences and insights from Extension Team members, all of whom have researched, observed and implemented engagement-focused shale community education and outreach approaches in a variety of settings and with a variety of audiences.
- Identification and in-depth description of case studies and approaches that demonstrate effective engagement-focused education and outreach to shale communities.
Preliminary Findings:
The Extension Team identified differences in community and stakeholder acceptance of science-based education and outreach based on who was delivering the message – were they known and trusted – and how the message was being delivered – social media, community forums, small groups, formal presentations. Entities that were university-based, such as Extension Professionals and/or university faculty, were trusted to a greater extent, particularly if they were “imbedded” in the local community. The increasing use of social media, webinars, podcasts and web based applications proved to have advantages in reaching broader audiences and relaying science based, real time information, but disadvantages included uncertainties regarding the author’s credentials, expertise and concern with and understanding of local issues. Based on these preliminary findings, we will present lessons learned and best practices in engaging rural communities and individuals in science-based education and engagement around such issues as shale development.
