Hydraulic fracturing is a controversial oil and gas extraction process developed in the late 1940s to access natural gas deposits trapped miles beneath American soil. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as hydrofracturing, is currently used in more than 20 states, including California. “California records showed fracking operations in 10 counties: Colusa, Glenn, Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Sutter, Kings and Ventura, as well as in state waters off Los Angeles. Kern County is currently the leading oil-producing county in California; Halliburton (an American multinational corporation that is also one of the world's largest oil companies with operations in more than 80 countries) estimates that 50 to 60 percent of new oil wells are fracked. Hydraulic fracturing is likely practiced elsewhere in California, but it is not monitored by state authorities. The systematic process begins by drilling a vertical well approximately 1.5 miles into underground rock and then horizontally through shale rock. A mixture of sand, water and other additives is then pumped into the well. Then, perforated tools carrying conductors are lowered into the well and once in place, a shock is triggered intended to create new cracks in the rock and/or increase the size of existing cracks for better extraction. A bursting agent is then pumped into the fractures to prevent them from closing once the pumping pressure is released. The injected products rise to the surface where they are stored in tanks or pits before being recycled or disposed of. Natural gases seep into these fractures or fissures and are released through the well. Although fracking may seem harmless due to the use of "organic" substances like rock, sand and water, bypro...... middle of paper ...... factual information and the ability to vote gives us, the people, a sense of control. As a public health specialist, I believe I am obligated to defend the public, who are not fully informed and in danger, and conclude that fracking is not the way forward. The risks do not outweigh the potential benefits and no measures have been taken to address the negative impacts. We cannot allow the oil industry to intimidate our communities and strip them of their rights. Requiring additional inspections of drilling sites and waste outlets, logged logs for daily maintenance are just a few ideas that can be considered to improve the situation. If the fracking industries can consider the well-being of others and make the necessary corrections for their development, we can hope to see an accelerated transition to a low-carbon environment sooner than expected..