Critical Actors (continued)
- Citizens affected by Hydraulic Fracturing- These people usually have had personal issues with natural gas companies who've drilled on their land or close to their land. In other words, they have suffered the negative consequences of fracking personally at the hands of natural gas companies and want their problems addressed. Some of these people turn into activists, such as Josh Fox, director of the documentary "Gaslands", and seek to spread information about the possibly harmful effects of fracking. These people usually do not have that much influence when compared to the natural gas and oil industry, but can mobilize and work with political organizations and politicians dedicated to opposing fracking, which allows them a greater degree of empowerment.
- Anti-fracking groups (ex. Frack Alert)- These groups directly oppose the practice of hydraulic fracturing based on its negative consequences, and challenge the natural gas industry as well as politicians aligned with this industry. They aim to see the practice of fracking become further regulated, and in some cases, outright banned. They are connected to this controversy in that their opposition to hydraulic fracturing creates more uncertainty about the long-term benefits of fracking.