As policymakers debate regulating Marcellus Shale gas drilling, the state needs to protect itself from the booms and busts of energy development that have left many counties with undiversified economies, a less-educated workforce and poorer health outcomes. This is according to a new report by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, “Booms and Busts: The Impacts of West Virginia’s Energy Economy”, that looks at the impacts of the cyclical nature of the energy sector on the state’s economy and mining counties. Read
