Theodore Stump was born on April 7, 1949, and grew up in southern New Jersey. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware. During his early years, he worked in various factories, including General Motors. In 1978, he relocated to West Virginia as part of the rural revival of the 1970s. Attracted by the promise of free gas, he moved to Doddridge County, where he quickly learned about the separation of land and mineral rights. Stump became involved in the local landowners’ association and began advocating for the rights of landowners against gas extraction companies. Over the years, he observed the development and environmental impacts of the gas industry in West Virginia, becoming particularly concerned with the issues surrounding natural gas storage and extraction practices.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Theodore Stump, conducted on November 4, 2013, by Michael and Carrie Kline, covers his relocation to West Virginia in 1978 and his subsequent experiences and observations regarding the natural gas industry. Stump discusses the reasons for his move, including the rural revival and the appeal of free gas, and details his involvement in local landowner advocacy. He provides insights into the separation of land and mineral rights and the challenges landowners face in securing legal representation against gas companies. Stump highlights the environmental and health impacts of gas extraction, including sediment runoff, aquifer contamination, and toxic air pollution. He also addresses the regulatory exemptions that benefit extraction companies and the public's growing concern and pushback against these practices. The interview further explores the social and economic changes in Doddridge County, including developing industrial sites on former farmlands and the divisive impact of the gas industry on the local community. Stump concludes with reflections on the broader implications of the natural gas boom and the ongoing struggle for accountability and environmental protection.