Last year in this column, the water guy discussed hydraulic fracturing or fracking as it is abbreviated. Regardless of how it sounds, fracking to many is something that will help the United States to long term energy independence, but to others is a dirty word.

First, let's review what fracking is. It is a technique of pumping large amounts of water, sand and chemicals at high pressure into a well drilled first vertically and then horizontally into a shale formation to create and enlarge cracks in the formation to release natural gas or oil.

Last year's column dwelt with fracking fluid, focusing on concerns about toxic chemicals used in the fluid, and on the disposal of the fluid returned to the surface together with water produced from the formation. These concerns are still valid but mostly can be overcome by proper well construction and proper handling of the waste material. This column, let's focus on the importance of fracking and on its downsides.

The importance is easy to discuss and measure.

An article in the November 12, 2012, Wall Street Journal, speculated that thanks to the development of horizontal drilling and fracking, the United States has the potential for less reliance on foreign oil. The article suggested that as early as 2020, the United States may replace Saudi Arabia as the largest producer of oil.

The International Energy Agency also weighed in, saying that global energy production is being redefined by the resurgence of oil and gas production in the United States.

Those who support fracking without serious regulation see energy independence as totally necessary even if there are some downsides. They extol the new jobs and economic benefits of this new industry. They believe that federal lands that overlie shale formations should be opened to drilling and fracking.

Those who are either anti-fracking or who only support fracking that is seriously regulated cite water pollution from fracking chemicals and formation water. They are concerned that fracking can increase greenhouse gases released to the atmosphere accelerating climate change. They point out environmental damage caused by installation of new roads and drilling sites. They provide examples of chicanery by energy companies in their efforts to secure mineral rights. They discuss documented instances of increased crime in small towns as large numbers of oil field workers descend on these communities. They express concern about unlimited drilling on federal lands.

Can you imagine a drill site near Old Faithful in Yellowstone? Near Half Dome in Yosemite? Next to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park? In the middle of Gettysburg battlefield?

The water guy takes no position for or against fracking, at least not now.

He understands the need for more energy production and applauds that American technology and ingenuity have taught us how to release oil and gas from formations heretofore untapped. But he also understands that there are other energy sources - solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear - that need to be developed, and that we will not achieve true energy independence until we make better use of these sources.

He wonders if our countries fixation on energy from oil and gas doesn't slow down the development of these other sources?

He also doesn't want to see the environment and our natural wonders threatened by indiscriminate drilling.

Only time will tell what the future will bring regarding fracking. Stay tuned.