Study: Shale-gas production will be boon to economy

Government estimates indicate that there are massive recoverable natural-gas reserves in areas like the Marcellus Shale, which cuts through New York and other states. Analysts predict that the U.S. shale-gas industry will greatly expand in the coming decades.

But activists, lawmakers and government officials are increasingly raising questions about the effect of fracking on the environment and public health.

The Obama administration has thrown its support behind expanded natural-gas production. But it is also working to address various concerns about fracking.

The Environmental Protection Agency, which is conducting a wide-ranging study on the effects of fracking, said last month that it will require companies to submit information about the chemicals used in the drilling process. The agency has also proposed air pollution regulations for fracking. Meanwhile, the Interior Department is developing regulations for natural-gas development on public lands.

Fracking nonetheless faces major opposition from activists and others, who raise concerns about groundwater contamination.