RALEIGH -- Final approval for a proposal that would speed up the start of natural gas drilling in the state was given by the state House on Thursday with a 64-50 vote. Representative Becky Carney, Democrat from Mecklenburg County, says she is not sure that we are prepared for everything fracking will bring.

Carney said, "Are we ready to move forward with this as a state? I don't think so, I don't think all of the safeguards are in place."

Republican Representative Mike Hager said that this bill would not be the final step in the fracking process. Hager said, "This bill sets up the next step. It doesn't make the next step. It doesn't determine the rules. It doesn't do the Mining and Energy Commission's job for them."

Fracking involves drilling and pumping chemicals and water underground to release natural gas. It's something never done before in North Carolina. If the state Senate doesn't make any changes, it goes to the Gov. Pat McCrory's desk.