Friday, Kelly
(2022)
Hydraulic Fracturing in Pennsylvania: A Policy Analysis.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals and hydraulic fracturing have significant impact on the health and well-being of communities as well as the environment. PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” do not break down naturally in the environment and have the high potential of leaking into soil and water. Contamination of soil and water via hydraulic fracturing is becoming more common. Many health risks and conditions are associated with exposure to PFAS chemicals. This policy analysis discusses how the guidelines distributed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) influence policy in Pennsylvania, explores how weak policy making on hydraulic fracturing and PFAS chemicals puts communities at risk, and examines the Biden Administration’s stance on hydraulic fracturing and PFAS contamination. The policies implemented by the EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection were analyzed in detail as they pertain to hydraulic fracturing and exposure to PFAS chemicals. An environmental scan was then conducted to report on a widely-used database to record chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, EPA approval of certain PFAS chemicals, and Marcellus Shale impact on unconventional drilling. The Biden Administration was discussed with respect to the steady emergence of reports on PFAS chemicals and their influence on the intersection of environmental health of the US population and policy making. This analysis concludes with recommendations to prioritize environmental health policy and implement chemical testing strategies across the country with a focus on areas of high risk such as hydraulic fracturing sites.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Hershey, Tina | tbh16@pitt.edu | tbh16 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Member | Barchowsky, Aaron | aab20@pitt.edu | aab20 | UNSPECIFIED |
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| Date: |
17 May 2022 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Submission Date: |
22 April 2022 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
56 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Health Policy & Management |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
hydraulic fracturing, policy, environmental health, public health |
| Date Deposited: |
17 May 2022 14:04 |
| Last Modified: |
17 May 2022 14:04 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/42721 |
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