Unconventional Natural Gas Development in Pennsylvania: Impacts and Ethics
Open Access
Author:
Romania, Megan Joann
Area of Honors:
Interdisciplinary in Community, Environment, and Development and Philosophy
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Vincent M Colapietro, Thesis Supervisor Theodore Roberts Alter, Thesis Honors Advisor Emily Rolfe Grosholz, Faculty Reader
Keywords:
Unconventional Natural Gas Development Pennsylvania Ethics Utilitarianism Deontology Socioeconomic Health
Abstract:
Unconventional natural gas development in Pennsylvania is a relatively new phenomenon, having only been present for approximately a decade. Prior to the “boom” in the Marcellus industry, relatively few third party academics were researching the possible impacts, both negative and positive, from this development. More recently, research by third party academics has been conducted to help dispel uncertainties surrounding this development. This
thesis examines the socioeconomic and health impacts of unconventional natural gas development in Pennsylvania. Then it explores the ethical implications of those impacts, utilizing utilitarianism and deontological arguments. Overall, it is concluded that currently this development is unethical; however, if the ethical dilemmas are resolved, it is possible that this development can occur ethically.
