Tracking Oil Well Drilling Dynamics in the United States

Oral Presentation

Prepared by C. Gallemore1, W. Auch2
1 - Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue, BBH 344C, Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
2 - FrackTracker Alliance and Cleveland State University, 2460 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, OH, 44118, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 773-442-5642


ABSTRACT

The rapid expansion and revitalization of oil and natural gas operations has raised challenges for regulation and potentially opens new fields for environmental monitoring. While the dynamics of this expansion are driven by technological improvements and high oil prices, they are also likely driven by bargaining power and institutional context. This presentation reports on statistical and spatial analysis of a nationwide data-set of oil well permitting activities undertaken to identify key factors driving changes in the industry. The resulting model provides insights into the interaction between economic, political, and geological factors producing new drilling landscapes.