The U.S. Rust Belt’s Progression or Regression? A Case Study Exploration of the Environmental Consequence of Post-Industrial Rust Belt Policy
The purpose of this study was to garner a more in-depth understanding of the environmental impacts that current-day industry has on the post-industrial Rust Belt.
The study was undertaken in three identified counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It analyzed 11 years of data assessing
violations cited against the oil and gas industry and county annual particle pollution recordings.
The research used cluster, systematic and purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used to develop a linear regression model.
Results showed a moderate correlation existed between a moderate correlation between the DEP-cited violations of the oil and gas industry and particle pollution air quality recordings. R2 or correlation coefficient and was recorded in this study at 0.466206. The regression model statistical significance (F 9.442003 = P value of 0.004159; p ≤ 0.05) which accepted of the alternative hypothesis.
The research illustrates an extensive overview of the post-industrial Rust Belt and provides evidence for the need to continue to facilitate further study and open dialogue to more optimally understand the potential effects and negative consequences of short-sided economic policy that is detrimental to the environment.
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