Fracking+Intro


 * At Issue: Fracking **

Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is a technique used to extract petroleum and natural gas from underground rock formations. A high-pressure mixture of water, sand and chemicals are pumped beneath the surface to release the gas trapped there. Some of the material pumped in returns to the surface, while some remains underground where it props open the fracture that has now been created. Although the technique has been used in the U.S. since the 1940s, it has come under increased scrutiny recently as the method has been refined and used more cost effectively. Proponents of fracking would like to see it expanded because of the vast amounts of formerly inaccessible hydrocarbons the process can extract. They believe expanding the technique will help reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil. However, opponents of fracking counter that it should be limited or even banned due to environmental concerns. They argue fracking contaminates ground water, poses risks to air quality and could potentially cause seismic events, including earthquakes.