Research Reports

The primary objective of this research was to investigate the direct and indirect effects of Marcellus Shale development on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of Pennsylvania agriculture. To identify changes in agriculture, the research used secondary data from the U.S. Census of Agriculture, comparing county statistics prior to development, early in development, and about 4 years into development. By combining the results from the focus groups, one may speculate that Marcellus Shale activity is one of the many factors influencing farm practices and changes. Data from the surveys and other secondary data will be needed to determine the dynamic influences and relationships between drilling activities and changes in farming operations, quality of life, and decisions related to land use and availability. 

This research looked to establish a baseline for investigating the direct and indirect effects of
Marcellus Shale natural gas development on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of
Pennsylvania agriculture.