Signs protesting the process of hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, are seen near the town of Calicoon Center, New York January 7, 2012. Shale gas production has skyrocketed in recent years thanks to advances in fracking, which involves injecting a cocktail of water, sand and chemicals into the ground to extract natural gas and oil. Picture taken January 7, 2012. REUTERS/Les Stone (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY)