(Ler) (Epub) A Field Philosopher's Guide to Fracking: How
One Texas Town Stood Up to Big Oil and Gas
By Adam Briggle
When philosophy professor Adam Briggle moved to Denton, Texas, he had
never heard of fracking. Only five years later he would successfully lead a
citizens' initiative to ban hydraulic fracturing in Denton?the first Texas
town to challenge the oil and gas industry. On his journey to learn about
fracking and its effects, he leaped from the ivory tower into the fray.In
beautifully narrated chapters, Briggle brings us to town hall debates and
neighborhood meetings where citizens wrestle with issues few fully
understand. Is fracking safe? How does it affect the local economy? Why
are bakeries prohibited in neighborhoods while gas wells are permitted
next to playgrounds? In his quest for answers Briggle meets people like
Cathy McMullen. Her neighbors? cows asphyxiated after drinking fracking
fluids, and her orchard was razed to make way for a pipeline. Cathy did
not consent to drilling, but those who profited lived far out of harm?s
way.Briggle's first instinct was to think about
