Gas Fracking has become a controversial method of obtaining natural and sustainable energy by drilling or ‘fracturing’ shale beds to release pockets of natural gas. This practice has become firmly established in recent years and is widely used in the US prompting excitement among European companies and encouraging competition for drilling rights. Objections have been raised from many corners concerned with damage of existing land and possible effects on health caused by release into the environment and water system of toxins leaked during the extraction process. Drilling has typically involved populated areas giving rise to health and safety issues. Heightened awareness of this subject has resulted in vigorous debate amongst governments, industrialists and green campaigners. Energy companies involved in gas fracking extol the virtues of this form of natural energy acquisition including optimistic prophesies of limitless supplies of natural gas. The International Energy Agency believes that Europe could provide 35 trillion cubic metres of gas hidden in rock formations. Currently Europe consumes approximately 580 billion cubic metres a year. Other sources of energy have been actively sought such as Solar Power due to a feared energy shortage in the future and gas fracking was believed to provide a viable solution, although opponents dispute this. Despite the reservations gas fracking is being implemented in many locations in Europe and the UK.