The vastness and isolation of the American West forged a dependence on scarce natural resources especially water, forests, fish, and minerals. Today, the internet is shaping another revolution, and it promises both obstacles and opportunity.

Seeking to understand the impact of a global society on western small towns, the author, director of the Western Rural Development Center at Utah State University, conducted strategic planning roundtables in thirteen states. The gatherings brought three major concerns to the surface: sustaining natural resources, creating vibrant rural economies, and...

Rapid changes in energy production and consumption are having major socioeconomic implications for the communities of rural America. Technological developments in horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) nuclear energy, biofuels, wind and solar energy have significantly increased domestic energy production and the production of energy from renewable sources has encouraged energy efficiency. Yet, severe concerns persist and policy decisions on energy issues will have profound implications for all Americans and rural communities where consequences are experienced most directly....

Rapid changes in energy production and consumption are having major socioeconomic implications for the communities of rural America. Technological developments in horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) nuclear energy, biofuels, wind and solar energy have significantly increased domestic energy production and the production of energy from renewable sources has encouraged energy efficiency.

Yet, severe concerns persist and policy decisions on energy issues will have profound implications for all Americans and rural communities where consequences are experienced...