Steve Butler, a corporate salesman for a natural gas company, arrives in a rural town with his partner, Sue. Their mission is to secure drilling rights from the local landowners, promising economic prosperity in exchange for natural gas exploration. The town's economic struggles make the offer seem appealing to many residents. However, when a respected schoolteacher, Frank Yates, raises concerns about the environmental impact, the community becomes divided. These doubts are further fueled by the arrival of environmental activist Dustin Noble, who launches a strong opposition campaign, highlighting the potential dangers of hydraulic fracturing.

As Steve and Sue work to sway the town in favor of the drilling project, Steve begins to question the morality of his work and the real costs to the community. The narrative becomes a personal journey for Steve, who grapples with his own values and beliefs as the townspeople decide their future. The escalating tension between corporate interests and environmental responsibility serves as a pivotal backdrop, creating a richly layered story that examines the complexities of progress, sustainability, and ethical responsibility.