The Panel

Escalating investment in natural gas extraction over the last few years has provoked sharp debate, and also extensive research into associated risks. Studies have examined the technologies and processes used in shale gas extraction, the extensive infrastructure required, economic implications at local, national and international levels, and impacts on soil, air, water, human health and social life. This panel discussion will explore the implications of these research findings, and what further research needs to be carried out.

The panel will be co-chaired by RPI Professors Philippe Baveye (School of Engineering) and Kim Fortun (School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences).

The panel will start with the New York premier of the short film Fracking our Future, made by RPI Professors Yuri Gorby (Environmental Engineering) and Branda Miller (Arts), and RPI alum Elizabeth Press. Panelists will describe recent developments in their own work, and how recent research findings have shaped their perspectives and the grounds for collective deliberation about our energy future. An open discussion period will follow.

Panelists include:

Professor David Carpenter, MD Director, Institute for Health and the Environment, SUNY Albany

Professor Yuri Gorby, microbiologists, Department of Environmental Engineering, RPI

Professor Branda Miller, video artist, Department of Arts, RPI

Katherine Nadeau, Water and Natural Resources Program Director, Environmental Advocates of New York

Collin Thomas, Co-founder Capital District Against Fracking

Wei Zhou, Lecturer, Mechanical Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

The Film

Fracking the Future tells the stories of people in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio impacted by rapid expansion of the shale gas industry, highlighted effects on human health and everyday life.  The film is narrated by Rensselaer Professor of Environmental Engineering Yuri Gorby,  centering on his hometown in Bethany, West Virginia, and looks at the impact on health for residents living within a one mile radius of drilling sites. Director, Elizabeth Press. Executive Producer, Professor of Arts Branda Miller.

Be sure to check out our resources on fracking research.