New Study Released: Gas drilling will hurt local tourism

Widespread Marcellus Shale drilling could substantially damage the long-term growth of local tourism industries, according to a study released by the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board.

Increased traffic, air and noise pollution, industrial accidents, the decreased availability of hotel/motel rooms and seasonal lodging, disruptions to wildlife and hunting grounds, and other aspects associated with a large-scale drilling program "will change the pristine and rural character of the region to a gritty and industrial one." The landscape in northern PA is already shifting from rural and agricultural to industrial, utterly changing its traditional character. (See reports about Bradford, PA.)

The study goes on to say that shale gas drilling in Wyoming and Texas has had serious economic consequences for the agriculture and tourism of those states, because of the widespread industrial activity that accompanies the fracking.

Download a pdf of the complete study.

--Summary by Elizabeth Donohoe