The NY Times Dec 13th Science Section carried a story noting the correlation between fracking and earthquakes. Recently it also occurred in Oklahoma...see also this: http://oilprice.com/Energy/Natural-Gas/U.S.-Government-Confirms-Link-Between-Earthquakes-and-Hydraulic-Fracturing.html

Before we are so quick to reject it, they are currently doing this in Pennsylvania. Won't that effect us anyway? This is something that could go a long way to reducing oil dependence on countries that don't really like us as well as creating an economic boom in those areas( and the increased revenue to pay for our public pensions). All I am saying is have a fair and balanced evaluation and not just hear from the environmentalists.

There are some who say if a single spotted owl may possibly be killed, forego all drilling, regardless of the benefit to society.There are some who say drill baby drill regardless of the environmental consequences. There are thousands of wells in the Gulf of Mexico. Does the single disaster in the space several years stop all drilling permanently? I think the answer is proceed with all due care, have DEC inspectors (paid by the energy companies through special taxes) present, write daily reports and have geologists monitor the subsurface conditions. We need the gas, we don't need illness and death.

EPA has now conclusively connected hydrofracking fluids and chemicals to groundwater contamination. NY State would do well to consider that carefully as hydrofracking sites approach NYC's key, upstate watersheds, and hydrofracking fluid and chemical remediation firms set up remote treatment sites downstate.

If Taxpayer is right, the EPA has an obligation to ban all hydrofracking. We cannot live with contaminated groundwater. I think the jury is still out on this issue.

I am in favor of hydrofracking if it isn't a major environmental issue. The jobs created and the energy independence are positives. But of course no one wants the ground water contaminated. I am sure Gov Coumo will make the right decision once he has all the facts in front of him.

Taxpayer and George I am with you on this one on the set up. Let us approach this in a smart manner, set the regualtions and remediation if necessary. We need to do this for energy independence and along with that comes real wage paying jobs not walmart jobs.

I have a home in a part of PA that allows hydrofracking. The ground water is contaminated and the forest is slowly disappearing. Thankfully, the company that is hydrofracking gives us drinking water on a weekly basis. Hydrofracking is a crime to the environment and to humanity. If any of you think these companies are looking out for your best interest and not the bottom line your kidding yourselves. We need to invest money in ALTERNATIVE energy and not this nonsense!!!!

I am reading the book "Back to Work" by former President Clinton. In it he discusses natural gas extraction and hydrofracking. At the conclusion on this topic he writes: " With proper care I think we can extract the gas. We need it and it can make us both more energy independent and contribute to job creation and growth." So maybe NY can learn from PA's mistakes and do the job correctly with the proper care President Clinton suggests.

Have you seen the documentary "GASLAND"? Watch it.It's all about how the natural gas industry has managed to exempt itself from most environmental laws, and how people in certain parts of the country have drinking water that literally is so laced with chemicals that if it gets too close to a flame, it goes on fire. The movie has been on HBO, it also may be at the library if you don't get HBO...like I said it's worth seeing.