Neighbouring US towns worlds apart on natural gas 'fracking'

The natural gas extraction process known as hydraulic fracturing, which uses a combination of water and chemicals pumped underground at high pressure to release gas from rocks far below the Earth's surface, is rapidly making the US less dependent on foreign energy.

"Fracking", as it is known, is also bringing jobs and money to depressed areas. But opponents say the process is harmful to the environment.

The BBC's Laura Trevelyan spoke to residents of two small towns - Hancock in New York, which is waiting to hear if a moratorium on drilling will be lifted, and New Milford in Pennsylvania, where a fracking boom is already underway.

Produced by Leigh Paterson, camera by Chuck Tayman