Fracturing or more common name fracking. in which oil and natural gas are extracted by shooting huge quantities of water, sand and chemicals into the ground at high speed to break up shale rock formations. in his state of the union address in january president obama haled the economic benefits warning of potential safety risks. we have a supply of natural gas that can last america nearly 100 years. [ applause ] and my administration will take every possible action to safely develop this energy. although burning natural gas releases only half as much carbon emissions as coal or petroleum many remain concerned about fracking harmful effects on the water supply, air equality and live stock. the cause has found a number of prominent spokes people. people understand that fracking is not safe and no matter what the gas and oil industry tells them, they re not willing to leave a toxic legacy for their children. france has banned the practice outright the epa is to