The New York State Assembly has voted to keep high volume hydraulic fracturing out of the state for another two years.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says a two-year moratorium will allow for more study on the process, including research into health side effects. Silver says that the gas in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale isn’t going anywhere, and it will still be there after studies have been done to ensure safety.
However, not everyone agrees with the Assembly’s decision. In a statement released Wednesday, Unshackle Upstate called the decision “shameful” due to it slowing job growth in New York. The moratorium bill still needs approval from the state Senate as well as Governor Cuomo.
