I think the explanation of fracking was for the benefit of the woman attorney who must negotiate the lease. Frankly, I find this plot point hard to believe - she is a great litigator but knows nothing about oil. Hard to believe that Monty would do that.

I also thought it odd that she objects to working for a deal on fracking; something that she's been "opposed to my entire life." Any attorney knows that fact is irrelevant - the job is to represent the client.