Beyond fueling vehicles used for all kinds of transportation, oil and gas resources affect many other aspects of people's lives, through their use in medicines, plastics, detergents, and fabrics. This book examines how oil is extracted and transported through pipelines, including discussion of controversial processes like fracking and drilling in the Arctic. The political and economic impact of controlling these resources is critiqued, allowing readers to assess the role of different stakeholders. They will also learn about how alternative fuels, electric cars, and other new technologies can make oil and gas usage cleaner and more efficient.