On the surface, fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, seems like a perfect solution to the countrys energy crises. It is a relatively easy and independent way to supply natural gas. But controversies surround the practice. The process involved in fracking has been shown to be harmful to the environment and a threat to our public health. Do the benefits of fracking outweigh the costs? Can improvements be made to the process that would eliminate its dangers? Should the government get more involved in regulating fracking, or should it be up to the people?

Chapter 1:Will fracking eliminate our dependency on coal? -- Overview: The costs and benefits of fracking / John Wihbey -- Fracking is an important part of our energy future / Max Luke, Ted Nordhaus, Michael Shellenberger, and Alex Trembath -- Fracking is helpful in the short term / Alison Singer -- Coal seam gas can provide Australia with clean energy / Dennis Cooke -- Fracking does little to negate climate change / Christine Ottery -- Natural gas will not solve the world's energy problems / Gail Tverberg -- The energy industry downplays the many dangers of fracking / Reynard Loki -- Chapter 2: Is fracking better for the environment? -- Overview: What is fracking's effect on the environment? / Steve Rushton -- Methane leaks from fracking is a technical problem we can solve / Roger Real Drouin -- Study shows methane emission from fracking is low / Steve Everley -- Sierra Club credits natural gas for reducing carbon emissions / Seth Whitehead -- People near fracking sites see increased risk of health problems / National Resource Defense Council -- Fracking pollutes the air / Jesse Coleman -- Fracking will not reduce net greenhouse gas emission / Alex Kirby -- Chapter 3: Does fracking endanger our water supply? -- Overview: There is conflict about fracking's impact on the water supply / Greenpeace -- Fracking waste contaminates groundwater / Gayathri Vaidyanathan -- EPA study identifies risk of water contamination from fracking / Elizabeth Shogren -- Controversy surrounds Wyoming study of water contamination / Scott Tong -- Fracking fluids do not migrate into drinking water / Katie Brown -- Fracking does not contaminate aquifers / Brian D. Drollette and Desiree L. Plata -- Chapter 4: Will fracking lead to natural disasters? -- Overview: -- Fracking is a boon for energy production but may damage the environment / -- Leighton Walter Kille -- Oil and gas industry activity causes earthquakes / Kelly Connelly, David Barer, Yana Skorobogatov -- Fracking causes earthquakes / Matthew Hornbach -- There is little scientific evidence linking fracking to earthquakes / Marita Noon -- Experts say fracking not the cause of Oklahoma earthquakes / Seth Whitehead -- Organizations to contact.