Short Attention Span Review - FrackNation (2013)

FrackNation is a documentary looking at the fracking industry in America. Specifically, it was made in answer to Gasland, a 2010 anti-fracking documentary made by Josh Fox. The film's genesis seems to be a confrontation between Fox and the man who would eventually make FrankNation, Irish journalist Phelim McAleer. This is the confrontation, about one of Gasland's most arresting images, a man igniting the water coming out of his kitchen faucet, allegedly because of fracking.

FrackNation does a great job of deploying facts. In the former category, the filmmakers show how fracking works, how it is regulated, and debunk some of the misinformation that has sprung up around the industry. We see examples of how corrupt the media coverage has been. We get some useful info about how exaggerated the claims of seismic activity caused by fracking are. Most importantly, the film provides significant evidence that fracking does not containment groundwater.

There are also more emotional moments, the most poignant of which are a series of interviews with farmers who see fracking as a way to save their farms. And, the film ends with a dramatic - if generally accurate - look at how critical energy production is to modern civilization.

There are some surprising moments, like the interview with Carol Collier, former executive director of the Delaware River Basin Commission. She comes across as a stereotype of a civil servant serving a narrow interest group instead of the poeple; in her case, Josh Fox and the anti-fracking movement. She makes herself look even worse by sending her department's lawyer to try and confiscate the interview footage because it makes her look bad.

There are some items that are less well-supported, such as allegations that anti-fracking groups in the West are being funded by the Russians to ensure Russia's domination of Europe's natural gas market. While this may be true, there is no evidence presented of this, although there is a lot of good info about how vulnerable Europe is to Russian manipulation due to its dependence on them for natural gas.

To be clear, this is as much an advocacy piece as Gasland. It is one that I happen to think is better researched and does a much better job of presenting a fact-based argument; but, I am biased since I am pro-fracking, as well as pro-solar, pro-wind, pro-nuclear...I'm for anything that increases the amount of the primary limiting resource for modern civilization, power. However, as with any work that advocates a certain position, you need to keep in mind that information will be presented that supports whatever the thesis is.

Fracking is one of the most important issues of our day. It holds great promise for the long-term health of the both the US economy and for global civilization; but, like any technology, it has problems that need to be addressed. You need to do more than watch just Gasland or FrackNation. However, these are not bad places to start. Check out Gasland, then check out FrackNation. See these as the start of your education.

Although, I think you'll find that FrackNation is closer to the truth.