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Paper short abstract:

This paper frames fracking as a constellation of three mutually reinforcing crises: environment, economic and energy. Structural violence frames the analysis and the methods of ethnography and intimate ethnography explore how the American Dream is achieved or becomes a nightmare in the context of a rural Pennsylvania town.

Paper long abstract:

The controversial method of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" for natural gas extraction is spreading across the planet. The US state of New York has adopted a moratorium on the process but the state of Pennsylvania has been a trailblazer in exploiting the vast natural reserves under its terra firma. "Shaleionaires" are featured in the media, films like Gasland, YouTube videos of flaming water taps, and celebrity and academic advocacy have brought incredible and passionate attention to both sides of the issue. Framed as a constellation of three mutually reinforcing crises: environment, economic and energy; this paper applies the framework of structural violence to understand a rural Pennsylvania town's experience with fracking in the Marcellus Shale. Interviews with residents illuminate complex personal histories of struggle, defeat and triumph. Narratives illustrate tense and dynamic relationships with government, corporations, and the environmental movement. This town is the site of a national disaster and therefore claims a great deal of national pride and recognition but is simultaneously experiencing economic decline in the closure of major manufacturing concerns. Unemployment rates are high and many are living in precarious times. The seemingly golden fountains of wealth in the form of natural gas wells make this an ideal space to explore the dynamic nature of fracking in 21st century America. How the American Dream is achieved (or becomes a nightmare) in this space provides lessons on the current state of American identity and experience. Applying the intimate ethnography technique the author will further explore her experience with decision making in regards to energy extraction.