Hydraulic fracturing is a valuable yet controversial well stimulation process used to maximize the extraction of hard-to-reach underground resources. This book presents a balanced view of hydraulic fracturing, including the benefits of its use and potential impacts to the surrounding environment. It emphasizes the need for the mining of natural gas to provide future clean energy supplies, but also stresses the need for close monitoring of the process, chemicals, worker safety issues, and fate of waste products. This text provides a timely, comprehensive resource for engineers, administrators, and legal professionals.