Cuomo Considering Plan to Allow Hydrofracking in Certain Counties: Report

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is considering a plan that would allow the controversial drilling method known as hydrofracking to be practiced in certain counties along the New York-Pennsylvania border, according to the New York Times.

But hydraulic fracturing, which involves extracting natural gas and petroleum by drilling into rock layers, would be banned in aquifers and nationally historic districts.

State Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside, who has long been an opponent of hydrofracking, said he believes health and seismological studies must be undertaken before the governor approves the natural gas extraction process.

“The facts are hydrofracking is an extremely dangerous drilling practice,” the senator said. “Tens of thousands of New Yorkers have made their strong opposition known and we owe it to them and to all New Yorkers to proceed cautiously. We must develop a real plan to deal with the hazardous waste water created by this practice.”

Forest Hills legislators Andrew Hevesi and Joe Addabbo have also come out against the process.

Those who support hydrofracking believe it could be a source of energy and revenue for the state, while its opponents say it could pose dangers to the state’s water supply.

Cuomo’s office has received tens of thousands of e-mails and letters following state Department of Environmental Conservation regulators’ giving their initial support last year for drilling in the state, the Times reported.

Most of the letters and e-mails objected to allowing the extraction process in New York, according to the Times.