| This qualitative case study analyzes citizen responses to a natural resource dispute involving the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer in south central Oklahoma. Drawing from literature on framing, resource mobilization, and political opportunity structures, this study describes and analyzes how competing resident groups responded to the potential sale of water from the aquifer. Numerous stakeholder groups were examined, including a group of local citizens, Citizens for the Protection of the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer (CPASA), which formed to oppose the sale of water. The study analyzes the relative successes and failures of the groups involved, including the efforts to promote and/or oppose the sale of water from the aquifer. The study uses semi-structured, open ended interviews, document analysis, and participant observation in the data collection stage. The basic findings of the case study suggest that through effective framing strategies, mobilization of available resources, and access to political institutions, Citizens for the Protection of the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer was successful in stopping the sale of water from the aquifer. Their biggest success was the passage of Senate Bill 288, which placed a moratorium on the sale of water and mandated a five-year study to determine recharge and usage rates. |
