Fracking or hydraulic fracturing is a method of obtaining natural gas from shale rock by injecting high pressure fluid through the rock fracturing it. The controversy surrounding the process is the same basic controversy that surrounds any other means of obtaining energy. Can it be done safely? And what are the possible consequences of a leak or accident? You find the same basic concerns with oil drilling or nuclear power. Every source of energy has a trade-off associated with it.
Oil? There's concern about the environmental impact it has by its use and that's even when it's drilled for safely.
Coal? Same thing as it's another fossil fuel.
Nuclear? What about radiation?
We need energy and there's no impact free and risk free way to get it. There's also the national security concern. The ability of other countries to impact our fuel needs is a concern. So what's the answer? I believe we should use the resources we have. We should also do it as safely as possible. If more incentives are needed then let's provide them. If more oversight and regulations are needed then ok, provide those as well. If more research, then let's do that as well. There's no perfect answer, but we should go with the best one.
Here's some links for more information on fracking.
FracTracker
Hydraulic Fracturing Facts from Chesapeake Energy
EPA Page on Hydraulic Fracturing and the Clean Water Act
Wikipedia Page on Hydraulic Fracturing
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