Synthetic fuel development : Potential socioeconomic impacts of single and multiple projects

As a result of the perceived vulnerability of the USA due to dependency on foreign petroleum supply sources, both public and private agencies have sought to speed the development of synthetic fuels. Given the concentration of the necessary natural resources, such development is likely to have significant social consequences. In this paper, the authors draw upon experience gained in conducting social impact analyses on six proposed Department of Energy demonstration facilities. Attention is focused on the cumulative impacts anticipated in the region surrounding the Newman, Kentucky, site of the Solvent Refined Coal-I project. The authors offer generalizations about community impacts and policy implications, relevant not only to synthetic fuels but also to other high technology energy systems.