"Ecotopia" is a futuristic novel about a country based on a "stable-state ecosystem." Ecotopia was formed when Northern California, Washington and Oregon seceded from the union of the United States. The new nation is an economical utopia with advanced methods of energy conservation and work ethics. Since its secession from the United States no American tourists have been allowed to cross its border. Now, twenty years later, Ecotopia has officially allowed the first American visitor into the country. The Times Post has sent international affairs reporter William Weston on a six-week investigative mission into Ecotopia where he will report on the economy and the lifestyle and dispel what will prove to be outlandish rumors regarding life in Ecotopia.

Because Ecotopia prohibits airplanes from entering its territory on the grounds of air and noise pollution, William Weston arrives at the Reno airport where he must take a...