I would like to correct some of the statements made below.
1.) There are no explosions during the fracturing process. The rock is split open by pressure. This is somewhat analogous to splitting wood with a maul. I suppose by the previous arguement that we should not heat our homes with wood either as that involves an explosive process.
2.) The beauty of shale plays is that they can be treated with slickwater stimulations. This is a process of pumping sand and water downhole at high rates. All of the chemicals used in this process can be "green" or biodegradable. The chemicals account for less than 0.08% of the volume pumped. Furthermore a slickwater stimulation is very robust meaning that you can use produced water as the water for your next frac. By doing this you dispose of the water from the previous frac and cut down on fresh water usage.
3.) The Macondo well off of the gulf coast was drilled using 17# mud to a depth of ~18,500'. That equates to a static bottom hole hydrostatic pressure of 16,354 psi. I had seen an estimated reservoir pressure of 13,000 psi in one artical about the Macondo well blowout. The reservoir pressure of the Marcellus varies across the basin and is proprietary information, but I have seen estimates of 0.58 psi/ft, which seems reasonable for the area. At an average depth of 6,500 feet this works out to a pressure of ~3,700 psi. 3,700 psi < 13,000 psi. Unless your math is different than mine we are not even in the same ballpark as far as pressure go. Aside from that pressure is not the enemy, it can be contained and dealt with. Proper procedures in the construction of the well are essential.

I hope this information is helpful. I would be more than willing to further discuss these points if anyone is interested.

Thank you,