Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) is a destructive method of extracting natural gas by injecting high-pressure mixtures of water, toxic chemicals, and sand into shale rock. This process fractures the earth, releasing trapped gas but contaminating groundwater with radioactivity, polluting air with carcinogens like benzene, and releasing the potent greenhouse gas methane. Over 750 secret chemical compounds are used, many linked to cancer and respiratory diseases according to studies.

Youth have the most at stake: decisions today shape the environment you’ll inherit. Fracking causes irreversible harm, including 5–7x higher childhood lymphoma rates near wells, methane leaks (84x worse than CO₂), and billions of gallons of toxic wastewater. In Allegheny County spills and leaks threaten schools and neighborhoods. This isn’t just an environmental crisis—it’s a fight for health, equity, and a livable future.