No timetable for fracking decision in N.Y. – Cuomo

No timetable for fracking decision in N.Y. – Cuomo by Reuters, August 23, 2012
New York has no timetable for issuing new regulations on the fracking drilling technique, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday, keeping environmentalists and drillers in suspense as he has since June, when he said a final report would be released shortly. The governor, a Democrat, said he understood the “passion” on both sides of the issue. “Let the science dictate the conclusion,” Cuomo said, adding “We will make a decision based on the facts.” … In 2008, the state placed a moratorium on fracking on the grounds that it could contaminate ground water supplies, increase remissions and cause health problems. … Pennsylvania’s decision to allow fracking led to a boom, but a number of spills, well blowouts and reports of water contamination there have stoked anti-fracking sentiment in New York. Drilling companies say fracking will bring New York badly needed revenue and jobs.