Economic and Social Impacts of Rapid Shale Oil Development in Western North Dakota
Author/Creator
Fernando, Wannakuwatte Mitiwaduge Felix Nirmal
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Abstract
This dissertation comprises of five qualitative and exploratory studies. The studies focus
on the social and economic impacts of rapid shale oil development, which is colloquially referred
to as an “oil boom” on the communities and its members in western North Dakota. The
dissertation presents a detailed exploration of the impacts and implications of the boom on
community values and attitudes, quality of life, and community development. Impact of the
boom on each topic is presented as an independent article or chapter. The data for the
dissertation was collected through open-ended, face-to-face interviews. The findings highlight
the opportunities created by the boom, barriers inhibiting community development, and the
solutions necessary to achieve the community development potential created by the economic
activity of the oil boom.