In Colorado referendum, fracking faces 'catastrophe'

America’s oil and natural gas revolution is running into new public opposition to hydraulic fracturing that could slow development unless the industry gets a better handle on the environmental challenges. The battle is currently focused on Colorado, where activists are attempting to have a referendum this fall that would allow local municipalities to ban hydraulic fracturing – or fracking, as it is known. The Colorado fight is only the latest to flare up, as fracking for shale gas is banned in New York State and Quebec, and has sparked battles in places such as New Brunswick and Pennsylvania over perceived threats to water supplies.