2016 UAA Annual Conference

Boom-bust dynamics in the unconventional gas industry are already evident in many regions across the U.S. Technological changes in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing enabled development of the industry in new areas previously too difficult and unprofitable for gas extraction. Production surged in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but more recently has slowed with lower gas prices. The impacts of this cycle are widespread. They are certainly felt on regional economic development, but also on other aspects of planning, governance and regulation. This colloquy will focus on the interrelated impacts of shale gas drilling across different shale plays in the U.S. as the industry affects local and state governments. Speakers will address economic impact changes, planning developments, and effects on governance and regulation. We will discuss not only what has been done in different cases but what lies ahead in yet another boom-bust cycle of this (relatively new) resource extraction economy.