According to public opinion polls, support for natural gas production in and around communities where these activities are taking place is very strong. This from a major survey released in August.
Here are several key survey findings:
- Most residents overall viewed natural gas drilling as an economic opportunity for the region. For example, 7 in 10 saw it as either a significant or moderate economic opportunity.
- Extracting natural gas from the shale formation was supported by more than 44% of residents overall, while 1 in 4 opposed the practice.
- Marcellus Shale gas production was viewed in a more positive light in the 25 counties that surround the Pittsburgh [Metropolitan Statistical Area]. Residents there were the most likely to strongly support natural gas production and the least likely to see it as an environmental or public health threat.
This from the Post-Gazette: “A greater percentage of area residents support drilling than oppose it, especially outside Allegheny County, with 44 percent of residents supporting extraction of the gas, compared to 4 percent opposing the practice.
