As the world becomes more and more developed the demand for energy will continue to increase. The development of new technology called "fracing" has enabled energy companies to tap into gas deposits in Arkansas that were previously unreachable. Fracing uses a procedure similar to the processes used in California that produce electricity by taping into geothermal deposits. An article in the New York Times reports that some experts believe that using such technology may be causing an increase in seismic activity. The number of small earthquakes have increased in both California and in Arkansas, and as a result, have caused concern in both states. Although most of the earthquakes have been small, less than 3.5 on the Richter scale, and have not caused substantial damage, the fear is that they could lead to more severe quakes in the future. Another fear is that large numbers of small quakes could destabilize the areas in question and lead to major seismic activity in the future. With so many questions yet to be answered, and with the risk of major quakes possibly rising it would be wise to slow down the use of "fracing" until studies could prove that there is no danger associated with the use of such technologies.