More Fracking Coming to Kansas? Conference Debates Practice As Officials Mull Allowing It

Kansas is joining the ranks of those considering to expand hydraulic fracking, the controversial drilling technique that has brought jobs and revenue across the U.S. while being accused of being environmentally damaging.

A daylong symposium on hydraulic fracturing will take place in Dodge City, Kansas, on June 19, to prepare and educate local residents on the impacts the industry's growth could have on their region.

So far, Texas, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana and Arkansas allow hydraulic fracturing.

Certain parts of Kansas have oil and natural gas deposits, and those are already being exploited, but possible horizontal hydraulic fracturing could boost the state's oil and natural gas production where vertical, and more conventional, drilling has tapered off.

Hydraulic fracturing involves the pumping of large quantities of water, sand and drilling chemicals into the ground with the aim of fracturing underground rocks. Oil and natural gas trapped within is released and extracted back onto the surface. It is a technique that many throughout the country contend is hazardous.

The symposium will take place at the Magouirk Conference Center and will feature guest speakers from North Dakota, Oklahoma and Chesapeake Energy.