Fault Lines, a new young adult novel based in the contentious world of fracking in Appalachia is making a big splash – and deservedly so. It’s a fascinating tale of how to win hearts and minds as they confront this complicated subject. But beneath the surface of its well-intentioned narrative, the book unintentionally reveals a deeper, more troubling fracture in our energy debate: the dangerous oversimplification of environmental challenges and the demonization of entire industries without considering the human cost.

Are We Selling False Dreams?

The book’s conflict puts Viv, an anti-fracking activist and family farmer, up against Dex, whose family depends on the gas industry for their livelihood. This battle reflects the authentic climate conflict raging in communities throughout Appalachia. Fault Lines, however, inadvertently showcases the seduction of a world run completely on renewables. This vision turns out to be painfully unrealistic in today’s day and age.

We’re all inundated with glossy photos of shiny new solar panels and wind farms. These are the future, we're told. And they are part of the future. At least half the country can agree with someone that they want a faster transformation of our power grid. The rate of change isn’t even close to matching those expectations today.

Here's the harsh reality: renewables aren't yet capable of meeting our energy demands reliably and affordably, especially not in regions like Appalachia that lack the infrastructure and investment to rapidly transition. Demonizing fracking, as many environmental narratives have chosen to do, is hurtful to communities. Without presenting a practical and much more scalable alternative, it’s kind of pulling the rug out from under them. It’s pitching them a phony economic dream and then abandoning them to deal with the day-to-day realities of lost jobs and opportunity. This creates antagonism and suspicion and eventually prevents America from taking meaningful actions towards a sustainable future.

Ignoring the Human Cost Is Cruel

The basis for my anger and outrage is the same reason for my empathy. That’s why Dex’s character is particularly resonant—to have a character like this star in such a successful and beloved show is not very common. His father’s PTSD and his mother’s work for the gas company are real experiences. Yet they are the beautiful truths of God’s creation in a region ravaged by an ongoing cycle of poverty and few opportunities.

To make it a villain that we can kill off as an environmental evil out of hand means forgetting the human cost. It’s a luxury that’s only possible for those who don’t have to worry about where their next meal comes from. It’s a kind of eco-elitism that leads to deepening inequity and marginalizes vulnerable communities even more. Where is the ‘awe and wonder’ for the human spirit who is barely getting by. Where are your ‘joy and humor’ when your constituents must choose to pay their power bills or purchase nutritious food?

We need to have the courage to recognize the moral complexity of fracking, as “Fault Lines” strives to do. It's not a black-and-white issue. It’s an unfortunate reality with significant environmental impacts, but undeniable economic impact benefits. A just transition requires acknowledging this complexity and finding solutions that address both the environmental and the economic needs of affected communities.

Blockchain Could Be The Bridge

Drawing from my long time background and experience with blockchain technology, I’ve gained a unique perspective on this challenge. Blockchain can provide a powerful complement to public policy efforts to advance a more transparent, decentralized and sustainable energy system. Imagine a future where homeowners can sell their excess renewable energy directly to their neighbors through a blockchain-based microgrid. Now picture a world where those same carbon credits can be tracked and traded with total transparency.

  • Decentralized Energy Grids: Blockchain can facilitate peer-to-peer energy trading, reducing reliance on centralized utilities.
  • Carbon Credit Tracking: Blockchain can ensure the integrity and transparency of carbon offset programs.
  • Smart Contracts for Renewables: Smart contracts can automate and optimize the deployment of renewable energy resources.

These aren't just pie-in-the-sky ideas. These are not hypothetical projects — they’re real-world applications that are already being developed and deployed. They need investment, innovation, and a willingness to embrace new technologies. Fault Lines, even as it centers this fundamental debate, misses an opportunity to dig into these more complex and more potentially transformative solutions.

The novel’s exploration of the conflict between Viv and Dex makes it a gripping read. It’s high time we stop letting this false binary guide the debate. The real fault line lies in our inability to have a nuanced, honest conversation about energy policy that acknowledges the complexities of the issue and prioritizes the needs of all communities. Let’s fight for the kind of ideas that provide a true environmental benefit and produce enhanced economic opportunity. Let’s not let good intentions lead us to regrettable ends. The future of Appalachia, and in turn, our planet rests on it.