Timeline of the Debate
The hydraulic fracturing controversy did not begin at the time when the first hydraulic fracturing well was drilled, but developed over time as the process of collecting natural gas became difficult by other means. Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are now the most widely used techniques for extracting natural gas. Since natural gas is a highly valued commodity, many actors from different social worlds (political/governmental, scientific, business/corporate, and community/NGOs) are involved in the battle over regulating and determining the long term effects of this process.
Hydraulic Fracturing on Dipity.