How The Natural Gas Boom Has Changed The Lives Of Residents Of Rural Pennsylvania

Robert Libetti/ Business Insider

After more than four years America's shale gas boom remains on full blast.  

Last year, production reached a new record high of almost 30 trillion cubic feet, an increase of 5% over 2011.

That follows increases of 7.4% in 2011 and 3.4% in 2010.

The boom has helped send natgas prices plummeting, which has lowered electricity costs and allowed certain energy-intensive industries like petrochemicals and steel to expand.

But what's the boom been like for residents living in the middle of it?

We recently traveled to rural Susquehanna County, Penn. and its largest city, Montrose, to see up close what being at the heart of America's shale gas boom does to your way of life.

It's complicated.

Some people now make lots of money, and jobs have been created or saved (a local cabinet manufacturer, for instance, had been teetering on bankruptcy before gas money moved in).

But there were some undeniable costs. Trucks are everywhere in what had previously been a mostly quiet corner of the Keystone State. 

Then there are the complaints from residents who say fracking activity has contaminated their water.

Susquehanna County is just a few hours' drive from the heart of Manhattan. But it feels way further. You're just as likely to see cows as people out here.

Local commerce is booming here, Kelley said. Like the Inn at Montrose. They've been able to renovate their rooms and boost rates as more gas workers began taking up residence there.