Does shale gas development impact property values in Central Appalachia? A mixed methods critical exploration

Increased shale gas extraction through hydraulic fracturing and its distribution through shale gas pipelines have brought about innumerable socioeconomic consequences, both tangibly and intangibly. Evidence remains unclear on what are the impacts of shale gas developments on property values. By employing a mixed method approach, combining original data collected in the Marcellus Shale through interviews and a survey, and an analysis of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, Rover Pipeline and the Mountain Valley Pipeline environmental impact statements, our data shows both an increase and decrease in property value in Central Appalachia. We demonstrate that shale gas pipelines buildout is made possible by skewed environmental impact statements that disregard peer-reviewed science and the experience of those living at the energy frontier. We contend that the inclusion of residents’ lived experience will help to effectively evaluate the social and environmental sustainability of shale gas development. Finally, we argue that additional interdisciplinary original evidence is needed in order to improve environmental impact statements that effectively evaluate the viability and sustainability of energy distribution networks.