LM-+Imagining+Solution

The harmful social impacts of natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale, and the ways in which environmental health stress affects communities.
 * The Problem**

Why are you concerned about this problem?
 * Imagining Solutions:**
 * It is largely ignored in the discussion of "sustainable" energy, as well as in the discussion of environmental health. The risks of fracking extend beyond the biological health and environmental impacts.

What solutions have been proposed so far, and what debates have these solutions provided?
 * Stop natural gas drilling and focus on renewables: the argument here is that this would be too time-intensive, too costly, and simply too difficult. It is easier to use natural gas as a "transition fuel."
 * People in fracked communities should move: the issue here is that many of these individuals do not have the means to relocate. In many cases, they have put so much of their time and money into their current homes, making a move both undesirable and nearly impossible.
 * Stop fracking until we have more science to show that it can be done safely: the primary issue here is that companies are already doing it, and already profiting from it. Of course they don't want to stop now!

What promise do you see in the solutions proposed so far?
 * Not a lot. Industry seems to hold the power in this situation, which puts community members in an unfortunate position. Industry lobbyists have a lot of influence over policy makers, it seems. However, there is some promise in the way that community members are learning to speak up and make themselves heard.

What limits do you see in these solutions?
 * They all rely on policy makers coming to their senses and not being governed by greed. Or at least not being swayed so easily by industry. It's not impossible but it would be a huge change in the way the U.S. functions.

What kinds of solutions are you prepared to undertake?
 * Working with community members to get their stories told. My contribution to the solution will be my research, through with I will try to convey the social impacts of shale gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale.

What will be the biggest challenge in realizing the solution you have in mind?
 * The scale of the problem is far greater than the impact that one single researcher can make. A solution of this magnitude requires a lot of people, from a lot of backgrounds, to work together.
 * Also, making community members realize that they can speak up, and should do so, may be challenging. From what I've seen so far, there may be a sense of "this is just the way it is."

What kinds of people will you need to help you?
 * Like-minded researchers.
 * Healthcare professional, legal professionals, and community members willing to be interviewed.