Culture & Agriculture: Frac Sand Mining in Wisconsin

Interview with Thomas Pearson.

When the Hills Are Gone (Thomas Pearson)I try to show that very complex struggles play out at the local level. In general, towns where residents are organized have been more successful in stopping mining, or at least asserting regulatory control. I also examine, however, how the industry has cultivated sometimes problematic ties with town officials and community leaders, as well as engineering firms, university centers, and law offices. To circumvent local opposition, mining companies have pursued strategies that include everything from lobbying and financial donations to lawsuits and annexation. 

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Published in: Culture & Agriculture
By: Jonathan Tanis