"Old Town Dentonites": Community members' competing constructions of hydraulic fracturing and land use in Denton, Texas. Issue 4 (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soyer, Mehmet; Murphy, Mollie; Ziyanak, Sebahattin; Gummersall, Cassidy
• Is Part Of: Extractive industries and society. Volume 6:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 1333
• Page End: 1339
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Hydraulic fracturing -- Community responses to oil and gas -- Anti-fracking -- Pro-fracking -- Proximity -- Land use; Mineral industries -- Periodicals; Gas industry -- Periodicals; Petroleum industry and trade -- Periodicals; 338.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exis.2019.10.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-790X

Abstract

Highlights: Pro- and anti-fracking groups in Denton, Texas hold unique perspectives of attachment to and ownership of local land. Pro- and anti-fracking groups in Denton engage in "othering" discourse to undermine the authority of one another. There is a relationship between proximity to hydraulic fracturing operations and investment in environmental policy related to oil and gas operations. Pro- and anti-fracking groups in Denton exhibit differing perceptions of the impact of hydraulic fracturing on public health. Abstract: This analysis of in-depth interviews with members of Frack Free Denton and Denton Taxpayers for a Strong Economy explores the dynamic divide caused by hydraulic fracturing in Denton, Texas. The most vocal and persuasive groups involved in the debate have discursive power to influence public opinion, which in turn shapes policies and practices. This analysis shows that pro- and anti-fracking groups conveyed an attachment to and ownership of the local land and engaged in harsh "othering" discourse to describe the opposing group. This study contributes to scholarly understandings of the relationship(s) between public perceptions of hydraulic fracturing, land use, and proximity.