Lead in text:
The controversial procedure has been used for decades. Energy industry officials say fracking is safe but opponents charge that it can cause pollution.
LANSING - Supporters of a ban on fracking in Michigan can begin gathering signatures on petitions that could put the issue on the 2014 ballot. The state Board of Canvassers approved the petition language Wednesday morning, that would ban the practice of using horizontal hydraulic fracturing, called fracking, to get at pools of natural gas and oil deep under the ground across the state.