Socioeconomic and Environmental Issues Analysis of Oil and Gas Activity on the Outer Continental Shelf of the Western Gulf of Mexico

摘要

This is one of three 'stakeholder issues' studies funded in response to recommendations of a MMS GOMR socioeconomic workshop held in New Orleans in 1992. This study addresses the Texas coast and is organized around five topical areas: community dependency on industry, perceived benefits to the community from oil and gas activities, general public perceptions of the industry, and the appropriate role of the federal government. The objective was to identify the issues and concerns of stakeholder groups in the coastal region (a five county study area) and to understand the relationships among various groups. The research focused on the perceptions individuals held on a number of issues and on their perspectives about the relationship between the oil and gas industry and Texas coast communities. Counties were chosen for their focus on coastal tourism and recreation, investment in downstream industry activities, and involvement in exploration activities. In spite of the 1980s oil price bust, Texas coastal communities continue to be dependent on the oil industry. The relationship between the oil and gas industry and the communities that host its various activities is complex, perhaps best viewed as a series of balances between competing interests, needs, values, and goals. The primary lesson of the 1980s is that oil and gas is volatile. After years of interaction, the trend in many communities is toward increased dialogue, more effective communication, and even the development of consensus-building activities involving interest groups.