With the threat of global warming, there is now a constant search for efficient and natural forms of fossil fuels. Thanks to hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking), there may be obtainable energy in the form of fossil fuels found in rocks. Hydrofracking is when pressurized fluid causes fractures in rock layers. Energy companies are now looking to accelerate this process in search of petroleum and natural gases.
In the hydrofracking process, a mixture of water, sand and chemicals are pumped thousands of feet below surface into drilled wells. The highly pressurized water penetrates the layers, and form stress fractures in the rocks. 
The sand helps open up these cracks, and allows the natural gasses to flow out. After the drilling, the water is separated into tanks, and the gas collected is delivered to energy pipelines.
I find this process incredibly interested, because these drills are going down around 10,000 feet…imagine the amount of water pressure they would need for this to be effective. However, the process can be incredibly dangerous if not done correctly. According to a January 11th article, toxic chemicals were found in community water supplies due to hydraulic fracturing. The chemicals used in the process can be harmful to the environment, and could release radioactive wastes. Ultimately, it is a threat to the air, land and sea. Many anti-drilling groups have been organized to put an end to this procedure.
"The dirty truth about hydrfracking"
Sources:
Wikipedia
New York Times
environmentalgraffiti.com