A Field Philosopher's Guide to Fracking: How One Texas Town Stood Up to Big Oil and Gas, by Adam Briggle
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A Field Philosopher's Guide to Fracking: How One Texas Town Stood Up to Big Oil and Gas, by Adam Briggle
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From the front lines of the fracking debate, a “field philosopher” explores one of our most divisive technologies.
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 fracking―deeply. Drawing on philosophers from Socrates to Kant, but also on conversations with engineers, legislators, and industry representatives, he develops a simple theory to evaluate fracking: we should give those at risk to harm a stake in the decisions we make, and we should monitor for and correct any problems that arise. Finding this regulatory process short-circuited, with government and industry alike turning a blind eye to symptoms like earthquakes and nosebleeds, Briggle decides to take action.
Though our field philosopher is initially out of his element―joining fierce activists like "Texas Sharon," once called the "worst enemy" of the oil and gas industry―his story culminates in an underdog victory for Denton, now nationally recognized as a beacon for citizens' rights at the epicenter of the fracking revolution.
16 illustrations
A Field Philosopher's Guide to Fracking: How One Texas Town Stood Up to Big Oil and Gas, by Adam Briggle - Amazon Sales Rank: #227913 in Books
- Published on: 2015-10-19
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 9.60" h x 1.20" w x 6.50" l, .0 pounds
- Binding: Hardcover
- 352 pages
A Field Philosopher's Guide to Fracking: How One Texas Town Stood Up to Big Oil and Gas, by Adam Briggle Review “Ambitious…. Briggle excels in the abstract. His ability to apply philosophic treatises from Socrates to Hobbes to Kant to the dilemma of the oil and gas boom sweeping this country is admirable…. [He] is lucid in describing a system that by anyone’s analysis favors the rights of those who own the oil and gas beneath the ground over those who live atop it.” (James Osborne - Dallas Morning News)“In this blunt yet hopeful chronology, Briggle confers with scientists, engineers, policy makers, and fellow citizens to gain a broad overview of fracking…. Briggle’s philosophical framing of the conversation sets his work apart and helps provide further insight on this divisive topic.” (Publishers Weekly)“Out of the university and into the streets, Briggle brings the practice of 'field philosophy' to the question of whether fracking is feckless or feasible…It is a fraught story, but Briggle tells it warmly and cogently, exploring both the interpersonal relationships involved and some of the geological science behind fracking.” (Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review)“This rousing account of a great people's victory is also the occasion for some real reflection about the mad push forward now degrading the planet in deep and desperate ways.” (Bill McKibben, author of Deep Economy)“As extreme energy extraction moves next to backyards and playgrounds, where do we draw the line between reasonable risk and recklessness? You owe it to your children and your grandchildren to read this book.” (Helen Slottje, architect of the New York state fracking ban and winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize)“Briggle offers a compelling look at the environmental issues and a broader look at citizen engagement in ethics and social policy.” (Vanessa Bush - Booklist)“Through the story of Denton and his theory of innovation, Briggle shows us how the Texas government is a subsidiary of oil and gas corporate interests, not a government 'of, by, or for the people.'” (Lon Burnham, former representative for Texas House District 90)“Briggle beautifully captures how the mad rush to drill and frack this country has led to one of the fastest-growing grassroots movements in American history. When we finally ban fracking across the world, it will be because strong communities like Denton, Texas, showed us the way.” (Josh Fox, director of Gasland and Gasland 2)
About the Author Adam Briggle teaches philosophy at the University of North Texas in Denton, where he also serves on a citizens' advisory group. He contributes to Slate, Salon, Truthout, and other publications. His work and the Denton story have been featured in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, BBC, NPR, Washington Post, and Newsweek.
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Most helpful customer reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An inspiring story of environmental activism told in the context of the philosophical underpinnings of the drama By Michael S. McGill This is a lively story about environmental activism told at several different levels. The narrative about how Denton TX came to adopt a moratorium on 'fracking' new gas wells provides a vehicle for the author to describe his own personal experience in learning about fracking, starting out as a new resident of Denton, becoming a somewhat neutral 'field philosopher' in a sort of non-participant observer role on the issue of fracking, and evolving into a fully committed environmental activist. He also explores the practical and emotional aspects of how a group of underdogs can manage to defeat a behemoth. At each step along the way, he conducts an internal dialogue about how what he is learning, thinking, and doing comports with the thoughts of great philosophers over time. He creates a conceptual framework that differentiates between a 'proactionary' approach to managing technology (act first, study later) and a 'precautionary' approach (study first, act later). My one surprise in the book is that the author does not explicitly delve into the economic concept of externalities, which is another valid way of addressing the environmental and health impacts of a profit-making activity. He explores the impacts of fracking thoroughly, and he points out that when and if solutions for all of its negative consequences are imposed on the drilling company that it may no longer be economically feasible to pursue, but he does not explore how this might work. Finally, he paints a very attractive portrait of Denton, while depicting the appalling laissez faire attitude toward business regulation by the State of Texas.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Thoughtful, A Much Needed Perspective on the Topic By Amazon Customer Reading Adam's book has given me a valuable perspective on the issue of Fracking that I have not found anywhere else.
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful book on an environmental struggle with an unexpected outcome! By Oscar's Book Nook This is a wonderful account of the struggle of a Texas city in the heart of the Barnett Shale to fight the power structure promoting hydraulic fracturing in their city. Against all odds of being outspent and in a region with an entrenched and powerful industry, the grassroots movement was able to get a vote passed to outlaw the practice in their city.
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