Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

This paper applies Policy Conflict Theory (PCT) to describe and explain the variance in perceptions of policy conflicts among policy actors involved in hydraulic fracturing debates in Colorado.  Using 2015 survey and interview data, this study finds that perceptions of policy conflicts are most consistently associated with rigidity of risk and benefit perceptions and insular networks.  Perceived risks relative to benefits, limited venues, absence of brokers, and diversity of experience with oil and gas development are less consistently important in understanding differences in perceptions of policy conflicts.  This paper represents the first empirical application of the PCT.  We conclude with the strengths and limitations of this application and reiterate the need for focusing on the concept of policy conflicts in the study of policy and politics.