Gas Drilling! Gas Wells!

Summary:
~In New Gas Wells, More Drilling Chemicals Remain Underground:
There is a relatively low amount of water that is actually retrieved from hydrofracking. While this water remains down there, it becomes toxinated and slowing makes its way towards our drinking water supply. Surprisingly enough, the Safe Water Drinking Act does not include water used in hydrofracturing. However, hydrofracturing was much less common back when congress created it than it is now. Recent studies declare the amount of water left behind after hydrofracturing to be in-between 30% and 70% of the initial amount inserted into the ground. Either way, there is still far too much water that is being wasted and left behind.
~Natural Gas Drilling: What We Don't Know:
Despite the benefits of collecting natural gas, there far more 'cons' than there are 'pros'. It is very possible that leftover contaminated water can reach our drinking supply. Some of the chemicals in the water may be directly linked to certain forms of cancer. ProPublica takes a stand against drilling for gas, because of many reasons. First, it has contaminated water at over 1000 separate locations. Second, the cancer aspect and the fact that our drinking water may be responsible for it. Last, there appears to be little effort done to prevent the water from spreading from deep within the ground. As you drill deeper, wells become more prone to errors such as gaps and tiny holes in the concrete.

Terms:
~Hydrofracturing: process of fracturing rocks using a water compound

Comments:
~The largest concern of drilling natural gas is the negative environmental affects. The drilling contaminates drinking water with chemicals, many of which are harmful and not meant to be consumed by plants, wildlife, and people alike. Drilling may also destroy roads and hurt our landscape.
~The largest concern of the drillers is that they might not be able to drill. If they cannot drill, then they cannot make a profit!

Questions:
~Is the production of natural gas worth the cost in the near future, or will we be much more reliant on coal?
~How can we measure and compare the price of gathering the natural gas, to the affects on the environment?
~How come so many states have such minimal or non existent restrictions placed on hydrocracking? Shouldn't the government put a little more interest on the negative affects of mining?