Gasland

The U.S. sits on a huge concentration of natural gas, making it the Saudi Arabia of this critical energy source. The good news is that we don’t have to depend on foreign countries for this resource, but the bad news is that natural gas is difficult to extract from the ground. We learn this and more through the personal journey of director Josh Fox, who received a letter from a natural gas company offering him $100,000 if they could drill on his land. He was tempted, but first, he wanted to know more about the process. What he found is the stuff of nightmares: pools of toxic waste that kill cattle and vegetation, cats with fur falling out in clumps, and ignitable kitchen faucets. With natural gas exploration booming in the Southwest, including San Miguel County, this film is essential viewing. —DH