The struggle for a legitimate expertise in the shale gas controversy in France and Quebec (original) (raw)

The paper examines the controversies surrounding shale gas exploitation in France and Quebec, highlighting how institutional processes shaped the public and political discourse regarding the industry. In France, the government took a firm stance against hydraulic fracturing following widespread social mobilization, while in Quebec, initial support transitioned to caution following public hearings that revealed significant concerns about economic viability and environmental risks. Ultimately, both jurisdictions reached a similar conclusion to prohibit shale gas extraction based on a combination of technical, social, and economic arguments.