Fracking the Burgh: How will it influence population growth? (Pittsburgh: houses, living)

[trackstar13]

So I went to the local Erie premier of a fracking documentary called Triple Divide. It was a pretty awesome movie and made by Pennsylvanians. The filmmakers really focused on the water pollution associated with fracking and it made me wonder how will this influence population growth in the Pittsburgh region?

On one hand, our governor is very pro fracking and there are many gas wells surrounding Pittsburgh in areas like Butler county and there is a thought that many more wells may be drilled and a pipeline established. This sounds like it could really add to population growth for the region and create many jobs despite the potential negative environmental impact. More jobs usually means an increase of in-migration and could boost the population.

On the other hand, the pollution from fracking may have destroyed several water wells and threatens to pollute the Ohio and Allegheny river watersheds in the near future. In the documentary film I watched it appeared that many PA residents who were getting sick from the water and air pollution associated with these wells were being forced to move away from the fracking and sometimes out of the commonwealth. This is particularly interesting because Pittsburgh has had an air pollution and water quality problem prior to the recent fracking boom.

So politics aside, will fracking in the Pittsburgh region restore the population and lead to the next population boom or result in an unforeseen loss of population? I am not trying to argue for or against fracking in this thread, but to better understand how it might influence the greater Pittsburgh region in terms of population growth and jobs.

[pugdog]

I would highly encourage you to also watch "Fracknation" to see the other side of the argument.

[trackstar13]

Originally Posted by pugdog

I would highly encourage you to also watch "Fracknation" to see the other side of the argument.

I have already seen it and Gasland 1 and 2. I think I understand the issue pretty well and I have seen enough of the documentaries lol. How do you think fracking will influence the population growth?

[UKyank]

People will (as they are currently) move here for jobs that the gas industry is producing

[trackstar13]

Originally Posted by UKyank

People will (as they are currently) move here for jobs that the gas industry is producing

Do you think residents will leave due to environmental concerns also?

[pugdog]

So far more are coming in than leaving, by a far stretch.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by trackstar13

So I went to the local Erie premier of a fracking documentary called Triple Divide. It was a pretty awesome movie and made by Pennsylvanians. The filmmakers really focused on the water pollution associated with fracking and it made me wonder how will this influence population growth in the Pittsburgh region?

On one hand, our governor is very pro fracking and there are many gas wells surrounding Pittsburgh in areas like Butler county and there is a thought that many more wells may be drilled and a pipeline established. This sounds like it could really add to population growth for the region and create many jobs despite the potential negative environmental impact. More jobs usually means an increase of in-migration and could boost the population.

On the other hand, the pollution from fracking may have destroyed several water wells and threatens to pollute the Ohio and Allegheny river watersheds in the near future. In the documentary film I watched it appeared that many PA residents who were getting sick from the water and air pollution associated with these wells were being forced to move away from the fracking and sometimes out of the commonwealth. This is particularly interesting because Pittsburgh has had an air pollution and water quality problem prior to the recent fracking boom.

So politics aside, will fracking in the Pittsburgh region restore the population and lead to the next population boom or result in an unforeseen loss of population? I am not trying to argue for or against fracking in this thread, but to better understand how it might influence the greater Pittsburgh region in terms of population growth and jobs.

I'm attracted to Pittsburgh, but the fracking all around it is a negative to me. I still like Pittsburgh quite a bit, despite the fracking. In my observation though, Pittsburghers don't seem to have any issue at all with the fracking.

Regarding Pittsburgh attracting residents. I believe this is despite fracking. I think they are people who would have come to Pittsburgh anyways. There is a lot going for Pittsburgh, way beyond 'fracking', and the people attracted to Pittsburgh are coming for those other reasons.

People moving to Pennsylvania for fracking jobs, are probably relocating to the houses around those particular jobs. I don't think they are the same kind of people who want to live right in the city of Pittsburgh. But, I could be wrong...

[UKyank]

Originally Posted by trackstar13

Do you think residents will leave due to environmental concerns also?

No signs of anyone leaving or concerns thus far

[I_Like_Spam]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

People moving to Pennsylvania for fracking jobs, are probably relocating to the houses around those particular jobs. I don't think they are the same kind of people who want to live right in the city of Pittsburgh. But, I could be wrong...

The gas industry is centered to the south and west of Pittsburgh.

I don't think people moving to the Pittsburgh area would have any problem living within the city limits, but Pittsburgh to Houston PA is a long daily drive, so at least right now, most gas industry people will be locating outside of town.

As the industry expands, I suspect the city of Pittsburgh proper will get more jobs and likewise more residents involved in gas.

[RyanR]

Originally Posted by I_Like_Spam

The gas industry is centered to the south and west of Pittsburgh.

Really? I think NE PA may think differently.