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How has the fracking boom impacted Appalachia? In this eye-opening episode of the Exposure Podcast, we speak with Sean O'Leary, a leading researcher and expert on economic development in the Ohio River Valley. Sean breaks down the hard data that challenges the narrative that oil and gas are economic saviors for the region. From job losses to population declines in the top 22 gas-producing counties, we uncover the untold story of economic realities, environmental exploitation, and how communities can rebuild for a sustainable future.
📌 Key Topics Discussed: Why the top 22 gas-producing counties in Appalachia are losing jobs and people.
How the natural gas industry profits while communities bear the costs.
The structural flaws in fracking as an economic engine.
Sustainable solutions for Appalachia: A pivot to clean energy and infrastructure investment.
đź’ˇ Take Action: Help us amplify the truth. Share this episode, subscribe to our channel, and join the movement for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
đź”— Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Frackalachia Report - https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/frackalachia-update-peak-natural-gas-and-the-economic-implications-for-appalachia/
Bureau of Labor Statistics Data on Appalachian Counties - https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/appalachian-employment-lagged-rest-of-united-states-from-2001-to-2021.htm
đź“§ Stay Connected: Visit us at https://www.ohiovalleyallies.org/ to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
đź”” Subscribe for More Content Like This! #Fracking #CleanEnergy #Appalachia #ExposurePodcast
Disclaimer:Exposure is an editorial and investigative journalism platform produced by Exposure Studios. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization or its affiliates.
Our mission is to investigate and document the public impacts of extractive industries—including oil, gas, petrochemicals, and plastics—through in-depth interviews, research, and storytelling. We operate under the protections of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, particularly in our role as journalists critically examining matters of public concern, including government oversight, regulatory failure, and systemic accountability.
The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational, educational, and documentary purposes, and to support public dialogue around necessary government action and intervention. We do not endorse unlawful activity or calls for individual action beyond civic engagement and lawful advocacy.
We do not knowingly publish false or defamatory statements. All claims are grounded in publicly available records, firsthand accounts, expert interviews, or verified journalistic research. Where critical claims or allegations are made, we strive to provide accurate context and sourcing.
As a platform committed to transparency and accuracy, we welcome feedback and corrections. If you believe a factual inaccuracy has occurred, please contact us at [email protected]. We will review concerns promptly and, if warranted, issue a correction.
While Exposure covers high-stakes and often controversial topics, we do so as independent journalists focused on exposing breakdowns in public oversight and the consequences for communities. Our work is grounded in the pursuit of truth, public accountability, and the broader public interest—not in service to any political party, protest tactic, or private agenda
By Jill Hunkler and Stuart DayHow has the fracking boom impacted Appalachia? In this eye-opening episode of the Exposure Podcast, we speak with Sean O'Leary, a leading researcher and expert on economic development in the Ohio River Valley. Sean breaks down the hard data that challenges the narrative that oil and gas are economic saviors for the region. From job losses to population declines in the top 22 gas-producing counties, we uncover the untold story of economic realities, environmental exploitation, and how communities can rebuild for a sustainable future.
📌 Key Topics Discussed: Why the top 22 gas-producing counties in Appalachia are losing jobs and people.
How the natural gas industry profits while communities bear the costs.
The structural flaws in fracking as an economic engine.
Sustainable solutions for Appalachia: A pivot to clean energy and infrastructure investment.
đź’ˇ Take Action: Help us amplify the truth. Share this episode, subscribe to our channel, and join the movement for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
đź”— Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Frackalachia Report - https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/frackalachia-update-peak-natural-gas-and-the-economic-implications-for-appalachia/
Bureau of Labor Statistics Data on Appalachian Counties - https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/appalachian-employment-lagged-rest-of-united-states-from-2001-to-2021.htm
đź“§ Stay Connected: Visit us at https://www.ohiovalleyallies.org/ to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.
đź”” Subscribe for More Content Like This! #Fracking #CleanEnergy #Appalachia #ExposurePodcast
Disclaimer:Exposure is an editorial and investigative journalism platform produced by Exposure Studios. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization or its affiliates.
Our mission is to investigate and document the public impacts of extractive industries—including oil, gas, petrochemicals, and plastics—through in-depth interviews, research, and storytelling. We operate under the protections of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, particularly in our role as journalists critically examining matters of public concern, including government oversight, regulatory failure, and systemic accountability.
The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational, educational, and documentary purposes, and to support public dialogue around necessary government action and intervention. We do not endorse unlawful activity or calls for individual action beyond civic engagement and lawful advocacy.
We do not knowingly publish false or defamatory statements. All claims are grounded in publicly available records, firsthand accounts, expert interviews, or verified journalistic research. Where critical claims or allegations are made, we strive to provide accurate context and sourcing.
As a platform committed to transparency and accuracy, we welcome feedback and corrections. If you believe a factual inaccuracy has occurred, please contact us at [email protected]. We will review concerns promptly and, if warranted, issue a correction.
While Exposure covers high-stakes and often controversial topics, we do so as independent journalists focused on exposing breakdowns in public oversight and the consequences for communities. Our work is grounded in the pursuit of truth, public accountability, and the broader public interest—not in service to any political party, protest tactic, or private agenda