Many sandstones, limestones and shales far below ground contain natural gas. When the rocks are drilled this gas is released and can be captured at the surface to be used (source A). To increase the flow of released gas, the rocks can be broken apart, or fractured. Fracking has led to many controversial opinions because critics say the process carries many risks but some say there are many benefits to fracking. Some of the benefits include that there is enough fossil fuels in bedrock shale formations under North American soil to make the United States energy independent. Some experts say that fracking is safe and does not present a risk (source B). Another benefit is that using natural gas releases far fewer carbon emissions than coal. But
