Illinois has approved its first ever franking permit.

Environmental activists are warning it will increase risk to residents’ health in the small town on the Illinois-Kentucky border. The permit was granted to Woolsey Operating Company in White County, which is between Evansville and Carbondale.

Fracking involves injecting water, sand and chemicals into wells to fracture shale and release natural gas and oil. Critics say it pollutes water supplies, supporters argue it provides needed energy resources.