Frackers are the men who found a way to tap into the shale rock layers running underneath North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and elsewhere, using horizontal drilling techniques that “fractured” the rock allowing the release of vast quantities of oil and natural gas. The frackers were enabled in this endeavor by “wildcatters” who, fully grasping the gospel of J. Paul Getty that “the meek shall inherit the earth, but not its mineral rights,” went out and secured drilling rights directly with the landowners rather than negotiating with government officials.  The author, a reporter with The Wall Street Journal, spent over three hundred hours in interviews with the key players—the men who were convinced they could reduce America’s dependence on foreign energy—and make billions in the process … and they did.

The success of hydraulic fracturing is undeniable … the environmental and ecological consequences are less clear. On the plus side, the “shale gale” has the proven capability of generating jobs lost to the recession and reducing the trade deficit. It may also reduce the risk of military intervention (e.g. the first U.S. led invasion of Iraq) and, as a further consequence, possibly reduce the defense budget. But, as the author diligently forewarns, “it may be years before the full consequences of the drilling and fracking are made clear.” 

The major concern about fracking is that methane, a component of natural gas, could leak and contaminate the environment, including water supplies. Leaks and surface spills have been documented and steps have been taken by the industry to secure well casings and seals. Even so, it is generally conceded that more controls are needed, and may even improve the performance and production of the industry operators.  In the interim, the shale revolution, launched by American entrepreneurs, will continue to rock.