The hydraulic fracturing also known as "fracking" is the process of releasing natural gas trapped deep within underground rock formations by pumping large amounts of high pressured water combined with chemicals and sand. Though many politicians and industry leaders say the process is safe and a means for energy independence, there are critics who claim that this type of drilling can threaten air, soil and water quality.
James Clift, policy director at Michigan Environmental Council discusses the environmental issues around fracking, including water usage and methane gas emissions.
This segment is supported by Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. More news about the Great Lakes environment can be found at GreatLakesEcho.org and on Current State every Tuesday as part of our partnership.
