In Texas and across the country, controversy is escalating over the practice of "fracking," which involves shooting water, sand and chemicals far underground to retrieve natural gas. So some companies have responded by using less-dangerous chemicals, and fewer of them.

Formally called hydraulic fracturing, the drilling practice has been suspected of contaminating the groundwater of some nearby homeowners. Range Resources, a Fort Worth-based drilling company, has "eliminated a number of the additives we've had in the past," says Matt Pitzarella, its public affairs director. In addition, he says, this year the company began using a "100 percent biodegradable friction ...

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