Why Fracking Remains a Lightning Rod for Controversy: QuickTake

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has been thrust back into the public spotlight as Vice President Kamala Harris’ change of position on it comes under scrutiny given her campaign for the White House. The groundbreaking technique for oil and gas extraction that vaulted the US to energy independence has for years been a lightning rod for controversy. Many environmentalists oppose it because of its impact on water, carbon emissions and earthquakes, while proponents defend it as key to the US economy.

Oil field workers at a fracking well in Oklahoma.

Photographer: J Pat Carter/Getty Images

What is fracking?

Fracking was first used commercially in 1949 in the oil- and gas-rich US state of ...