ABSTRACT

This chapter pays attention to the potential influence of issue-specific characteristics. Issue-specific factors represent a significant step away from the traditional literature in that attitudes about issue-specific concerns are thought not to drive trust in government generally. The chapter assesses the variables in relation to a traditional attitudinal modeling approach as well as an experimental approach. Natural gas has played an important role in human society for more than three millennia. The chapter also includes several natural gas- and fracking-specific attitudes and beliefs. Finally, it examines the relationship between one's belief that there may be an energy shortage in the near future and trust. The analysis of issue-specific indicators has revealed a number of interesting patterns in public support for fracking, the trust individuals place in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and their reactions to different threats posed by fracking. It provides support for the author's model of trust (as an attitude) with respect to issue-specific factors that might influence this process.