Fracking is a process that allows the recovery of natural gas and oil from deep shale formations.

The United States Department of Energy’s natural gas subcommittee just released a draft report (PDF) on hydraulic fracturing.

The committee, which was charged with making recommendations on fracking, will issue a final report in November.

North Carolina’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been charged with studying fracking as well.  This includes providing a report on the issue to the Environmental Review Commission by May 1, 2012.