Stakeholder and policy analysis of hydraulic fracturing in California

Hydraulic fracturing of underground oil- and gas-bearing formations is a well stimulation treatment (WST) process used to form fissures in rock formations to improve oil and gas recovery. California's recent and most prominent bill to regulate hydraulic fracturing, Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), represents the state's first bill to provide a comprehensive statutory framework for WST regulation in California. New advancements in horizontal drilling and complex chemical compositions have made WST more effective and economical, but, simultaneously, they have made oil and gas exploration and production more controversial due to potential for environmental and public health risks. SB 4 is commended for taking initiative to regulate WST activities; however, some stakeholders question the efficacy of SB 4 and have remaining concerns regarding hydraulic fracturing in California. In this thesis, I present a stakeholder and policy analysis of hydraulic fracturing in California to gain insight regarding diverse perspectives on the state's current oil and gas developments. I developed and distributed a research survey to gauge stakeholders' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of SB 4, as well as perceived benefits and concerns of hydraulic fracturing in California. According to the survey results, economic growth, including jobs, is the primary perceived benefit of hydraulic fracturing in California. The foremost concerns are water and air quality. Informed by stakeholder feedback and policy analysis, recommendations are proposed for appropriate policy measures and best practices. It is hoped that the potential influential factors and observations resulting in this thesis will serve as a foundation of inquiry for prospective WSTs.