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. 💡 Take Action: Help us amplify the truth. Share this episode, subscribe to our channel, and join the movement for a cleaner, more sustainable future. 🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Frackalachia Report - https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/frack... Bureau of Labor Statistics Data on Appalachian Counties - https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/appalach... 📧 Stay Connected: Visit us at https://www.ohiovalleyallies.org/ to learn more about our work and how you can get involved. 🔔 Subscribe for More Content Like This! #Fracking #CleanEnergy #Appalachia #ExposurePodcast

Exposure Episode 4 - Industry Insider Part 1: Understanding the Hidden Dangers of Oil and Gas Fracking Waste In this eye-opening episode of Exposure, co-hosts Jill Hunkler and Stuart Day interview investigative journalist Justin Nobel and former oil industry truck driver Richard Cummings to reveal the dangerous, often hidden realities of fracking waste. They delve into the toxic and radioactive elements found in waste produced by oil and gas extraction and uncover the alarming health and environmental impacts of current waste disposal practices. Key Topics Covered: The reality of radioactive waste in oil and gas extraction Fracking waste disposal through deep well injection and its environmental risks Health impacts on workers exposed to fracking waste without proper protections Regulatory loopholes that classify fracking waste as “non-hazardous,” allowing dangerous practices to persist The role of community activism in raising awareness and pushing for change Join us as we discuss how the oil and gas industry manages waste and why communities are stepping up to protect their health and safety. 🔗 Watch now to learn more and take action: For more information, visit https://www.ohiovalleyallies.org/ #FrackingWaste #EnvironmentalJustice #RadioactiveWaste #OilAndGas #Podcast

The Ohio River Valley Institute has just released a new survey which reveals that 9 in 10 Pennsylvania voters support stricter regulations on fracking. That includes things like requiring companies to disclose what sort of chemicals they're using in their drilling operations, requiring safer transport of fracking waste, increasing setback distances between new fracking wells and schools and hospitals, and also increasing air monitoring near fracking wells, compressor stations and other infrastructure. Investments in clean energy, and energy efficiency upgrades are overwhelmingly popular among Pennsylvania voters. They found that 80% of the survey respondents, say they have a favorable opinion of solar energy, 73% support wind, and 84% support spending taxpayer dollars on wind and solar development to increase renewable energy usage in the state.

We speak with Ben Hunkler, Communications Manager, for the Ohio River Valley institute about their Pennsylvania poll findings and how the energy transition is already underway. It's up to policymakers to decide whether or not we're going to jump on board and be a part of a clean energy future, or whether we're going to be stuck in a polluting oil and gas industry economy that hasn't produced economic returns for more than a decade. Ben makes the case that there's broad support for investing in clean energy and transitioning our economy to one that hasn't polluted our communities and put our families in harm's way.