Paper short abstract:

This paper intends to examine the impact of the Energy Reform (2013) among the inhabitants of the Totonac region in central Veracruz (Mexico).

Paper long abstract:

In the oil rich region of Veracruz (Mexico) inhabited by the Totonac indigenous people, the fracking of oil and shale gas began in 2003 and it is expected to increase with the private investment promoted by the Energy Reform (2013), that is a product of the neoliberal State policies. Until this moment the municipality of Papantla has 172 fracking oil wells, that cause serious ambiental, social and health problems, attempting against the right to autonomy and land of Indigenous Peoples.

This paper intends to examine the impact of oil explotaition and the fracking technique in the social life of the communities, and the fact that it divides the people because some of them are willing to accept money in order to allow the oil exploitation in their lands and some others are against the fracking technique. I am also interested in documenting the social mobilization against the oil explotaition and the different strategies for resistance that are being applied including the use of law to defend their rights and demands.