In today's global economy, energy is one of the most crucial and sought-after commodities. Who supplies it and how much it supplies determines its influence on other countries as well as the global economy. This is why fracking is such an important and controversial topic in the United States right now. Hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as "hydraulic fracturing" or hydrofracturing, is the process of using pressurized liquids to fracture rocks and release hydrocarbons such as shale gas, which burns more efficiently than coal. This booming energy production process provides a much-needed economic boost, creating jobs and providing gas energy to Americans. Efficient combustion of shale gas reduces carbon emissions from power generation plants, thereby reducing the carbon footprint on the environment. However, the fracking process uses millions of gallons of pressurized liquid, which contains toxic chemicals, and some of this water remains untreated. The air near fracking sites is often also polluted and dangerous for residents of nearby communities. Injecting millions of gallons of water mixed with toxic chemicals into rock thousands of feet deep can cause earthquakes, endangering the safety of all nearby areas. Hydraulic fracturing makes rare natural gases easily accessible, boosting the economy and reducing carbon emissions. However, negative side effects, such as contaminated water and air, make fracking a process that may not be worth it. One of the benefits of fracking is that it creates jobs in the current economic doldrums America finds itself in. in the United States directly benefits citizens, with the number of employees i...... middle of paper ...... pros and cons>.Hassett, Kevin A. and Aparna Mathur. “American Business Institute.” Benefits of hydraulic fracturing. American Enterprise Institute, nd Web. March 25, 2014. “No Fracking in California.” Environment California. Environment California, nd Web. March 27, 2014. “Hydraulic Fracturing Wastewater.” Guardian of the Catskill Mountains. Catskill Mountainkeeper, nd Web. March 26, 2014. .Hoffman, Joe. “Potential Health and Environmental Effects of Hydrofracturing in the Williston Basin, Montana.” Serc.carleton.edu. Carleton College, nd Web. March 26. 2014. .