You are correct that the entire lifecycle of a gas well using current advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing needs to be safe and secure.

FORBES: EPA Doubts Its Own Anti-Fracking Study, While Ohio Determines Fracking Did Not Spawn Earthquake Swarm

"Hydraulic fracturing in a well for shale gas development, which involves injection of fluids to fracture the shale and release the gas up the well, has been confirmed as the cause for small felt seismic events at one location in the world, " the report states.

CNN: Debate over fracking, quakes gets louder

Today the Obama administration tightened oil and gas industry regulations, forcing drillers to capture air pollutants released during well construction including during hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in new wells.

FORBES: U.S. Energy Independence in 15 Years?

Wells in shale plays have to undergo a process known as fracturing to boost the porosity of the rock and to make oil and gas flow to the well head.

FORBES: Baker Hughes Ramps Up Oil Fracking On Low Natural Gas Prices

Every well that gets drilled into shale formations or other tight reservoirs requires hydraulic fracturing before the oil and gas will flow.

FORBES: Shale Gas Frackers Get Excited About ... A New Sponge?