Michigan politicians are beginning to wrestle with an issue that's proven to be contentious in other parts of the country.
"Fracking" or hydraulic fracturing is a controversial method of extracting natural gas by pumping water, sand and chemicals into deep underground wells. Both opponents and advocates of the process have started taking action in the state legislature.
The Associated Press writes that "House Democrats on Wednesday plan to discuss a bill that would regulate [fracking]," while "the House's natural gas subcommittee released a report Tuesday encouraging more natural gas production."
An official from Gov. Rick Snyder's administration says the governor is reviewing both the bill and the report.
Some exploratory drilling has already occurred in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Take a look at the video below to see an animated view of the fracking process:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0kmskvJFt0&feature=player_embedded
-John Klein Wilson, Michigan Radio Newsroom
