The Making of a Moratorium: Cultural Context & the Battle over the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer.

This paper argues that more environmental sociology theory and research is needed to understand natural resource conservation challenges in states where the majority of land is in private hands. Although some scholars have provided frameworks that demarcate distinct subcultures, land ethics and/or environmental movement and counter-movement frames related to private property, these frameworks focus on broad distinctions at the national level. In state and local contexts, things are much more complicated, as revealed by a case study of the controversy over the Arbuckle-Simpson aquifer in south central Oklahoma. The study employs data from public comment letters, newspapers and newsletters (2002-03) to illustrate the diversity of frames being used by different sectors engaged in the debate. Those who wish to sell the water outside its counties of origin tend to frame the controversy in terms of private property rights; those who want to keep the water at home utilize a mix of conservation and preservation frames; and policy makers tend to argue that science should be the ultimate arbitrator. The paper discusses the implications of this mix of perspectives, particularly in states with high concentrations of private property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]