Frackopoly: The Battle for the Future of Energy and the Environment [Hardcover]

Over the past decade a new and controversial energy extraction method known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has rocketed to the forefront of U.S. energy production. With fracking, millions of gallons of water, dangerous chemicals, and sand are injected under high pressure deep into the earth, fracturing hard rock to release oil and gas.

Wenonah Hauter, one of the nation’s leading public interest advocates, argues that the rush to fracking is dangerous to the environment and treacherous to human health.Frackopolydescribes how the fracking industry began; the technologies that make it possible; and the destruction and poisoning of clean water sources and the release of harmful radiation from deep inside shale deposits, creating what the author calls “sacrifice zones” across the American landscape.

The book also examines the powerful interests that have supported fracking, including leading environmental groups, and offers a thorough debunking of its supposed economic benefits. With a wealth of new data,Frackopolyis essential and riveting reading for anyone interested in protecting the environment and ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all Americans.

Praise forFrackopoly:
“[M]eticulously researched…a page-turner. Hauter describes what could be metaphorically portrayed as a pit of fornicating vipers -- and fracking is their progeny. If Hauter had written this as a novel using the same characters, countries and global intrigue, it would quickly become an international bestseller and a miniseries would soon follow. She describes bigger-than-life captains of industry and colorful small-time scoundrels who play the system for their own gain. There are secret meetings and global conspiracies. There are also compelling tales of 'the little guy' fighting in the face of overwhelming odds.”
—National Catholic Reporter

“Hauter delivers a paslS.