CBS Reports Season 4 Episode 11 Powerless: The High Cost of Cheap Gas

Powerless: The High Cost of Cheap Gas is an investigative documentary episode of CBS Reports season 4. In this episode, the CBS team takes a deep dive into the subject of fracking, and the true cost of the cheap gas that has become a staple of American life. The episode examines the claims that the oil and gas industry has made about the safety and benefits of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking.

Throughout the episode, the team journeys across the country, speaking with those living in the shadow of fracking operations. They hear from people who have experienced water contamination, health issues, and other troubling consequences of living near these sites. The show also looks at the economic impacts of fracking, examining whether the claims of job creation and economic growth hold up to scrutiny.

Powerless: The High Cost of Cheap Gas seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the fracking industry, looking at both the benefits and the costs. It explores the potential environmental risks of fracking, including the impact on groundwater and air quality. The episode also sheds light on the health risks associated with living near fracking sites. Interviews with experts in the field, including scientists and public health officials, lend expertise and credibility to the show's claims.

One of the key themes of the episode is the idea that cheap gas comes at a much greater cost than most people are aware of. The team compares the amount of money Americans spend on gas to other developed countries, showing how much cheaper prices are in the US. However, they argue that these low prices come at a much higher cost to people's health and the environment.

Powerless: The High Cost of Cheap Gas does not shy away from asking tough questions and presenting uncomfortable facts. For example, the episode explores the relationship between the oil and gas industry and politicians, including the significant campaign contributions made to elected officials. It also examines the way these industries have worked to silence critics and downplay the risks associated with fracking.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a range of people who have been impacted by fracking. This includes a farmer in Pennsylvania who struggles to keep his family's farm running in the face of water contamination, and a woman in North Dakota who is unable to sell her home due to concerns over the nearby fracking operation. These stories help to humanize the issue and show how these risks impact real people's lives every day.

Overall, Powerless: The High Cost of Cheap Gas is a powerful testament to the importance of investigating the true costs of everyday conveniences. By presenting a range of viewpoints and evidence, the episode seeks to educate viewers and encourage them to think critically about the way we produce and consume energy.