Across the world, countries depend on oil and, more often than not, on foreign oil. The United States is at a time where it believes that buying foreign oil supports terrorism and harms our economy. Subsurface shale formations spanning across the United States have been found to contain natural gas. This includes the Marcellus Shale formation and the Utica Shale formation, which can be found throughout New York State and along the East Coast (Hydro-Fracking p.1). To get this abundance of gas underground, hydraulic fracturing was invented, but is this new method of gas extraction safe for the environment and the people around it? There have been numerous reports on the dangerous effects of hydraulic fracturing. One such effect that has been noted is that drinking water wells near fracking sites have become contaminated. During the hydraulic fracturing process, the injected fluids that help break up and keep open the bedrock where the natural gas is stored are known to “travel three thousand feet away from the wellbore (Goldman).” This fluid could potentially enter and contaminate any water wells for homes around hydraulic fracturing sites. This incident is one of the biggest issues that people want to understand and know before allowing them a fracture site. It was the most feared outcome of having a fracking site nearby, and it's highly appropriate. At one Wyoming site this happened: "...in August, the EPA reported that eleven of thirty-nine drinking water wells near a Wyoming hydraulic fracturing operation were contaminated with chemicals used in the fracturing process ( Hobson EPA)." Another similar case occurred in Pennsylvania: “There have already been serious cases of pollution in Pennsylvania, mo...... middle of paper....... Web. 27 May 2011. Citizens' campaign for l 'environment. “Hydroelectric Fracking Resource and Action Center.” Citizens for the Environment Campaign April 14, 2011. Web. June 2, 2011. Fox, Josh. Copyright of Gasland 2010: Official site of Gasland. Web and cinema. June 6, 2011.Goldman, Jennifer and Sumi, Lisa. “How hydraulic fracturing works.” Earthworks February 2, 2009. Network. May 27, 2011.Hobson, Margaret Kriz. "EPA, states clash over hydraulic fracturing." National newspaper (2009). Gale Opposing views in context. Network. May 26, 2011.Hobson, Margaret Kriz. “The Pennsylvania Gas Rush.” National newspaper (2010). Gale Opposing views in context. Network. May 26, 2011.Wolfgang, Ben. “Don't spoil our water,” say the enemies; Battles Fought During Town Meetings.” Washington Times [Washington, DC] May 23, 2011: AO8. Gale Opposing views in context. Network. May 26 2011.