As opposed to the conventional input-output-based approach in impact studies, Lee (2015)
has looked at the economies of all counties in Texas during the period between 2009 and 2014,
with a focus on the counties above the five individual shale plays. He used different econometric
models to estimate the impact of oil and gas wells in a county on local employment and income
earnings.
Employment Growth 2009–2014
OIL IMPACTS
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The following is a summary of the findings:
• In the absence of oil and gas activity, a typical Texas county would have less total employment
and income in 2014 than in 2009.
• Local economic impacts vary across the Texas shale regions: Oil and gas wells generated the
greatest impact on local employment among Eagle Ford counties, and they generated the
greatest impa