This is part of our series/section titled Current Big Environmental Issues Summary Trackers

Summary overview and brief background:

Fracking, essentially acquisition of natural gas from the ground, has been looked at as a source of energy, and a source that competes with oil.

What are the main issues?

Safety

Who are the major players in the arena?

Local authorities

Safety and emergency responders, especially when there is an accident

Local citizens

Where is this all taking place?

Regions in the U.S., at least

Quick timeline of developments:

Fracking discovered

Accidents happened

Realizations of potential impacts to the environment

Efforts to reduce or ban fracking

Debate of the merits for and against fracking