From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

When it comes to fracking, big government trumps local control.

Hello again, I'm Armin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International.

A daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

Fracking is moving America toward energy independence.

The EPA says it can contaminate aquifers and create unhealthy air.

It's even said to cause earthquakes.

But when 59% of Denton, Texas, voted to ban fracking for natural gas,

they were overruled by state politicians.

Oklahoma has also banned fracking bans.

Are the rights of oil companies with absentee owners taking precedence over community health and safety?

We'll hear what's at stake for the nation's economy.

Today's talking point is it almost impossible for any horse to win the triple crown?

First, here's the news.

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Hello again, Mormon, I'll need back with To The Point. Fracking is used to extract underground oil and gas. The more it's used, the more controversial it becomes. A new EPA report is being cheered by both environmentalists and the energy industry, but the battle is far from over.

Today's talking point, the thoroughbred called American Farrow, is the likely favorite to win the Belmont Stakes tomorrow,

taking the triple crown for the first time since Affirmed did it in 1978.

But despite short odds at the betting window, there may be long odds out on the track.

We'll hear more about that.

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