NY shale gas opponents hold anti-fracking rallies

A coalition of organizations opposed to hydraulic fracturing for natural gas plans six rallies around the state calling for a statewide ban on the technology and denouncing any plans to allow it in limited areas.

New Yorkers Against Fracking is holding rallies on Thursday in response to reports that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is considering a plan to allow shale gas development in Southern Tier communities that pass resolutions in favor of it.

Rallies were held in Rockville Centre on Long Island and planned in Brooklyn, Poughkeepsie, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany.

The state has not permitted shale gas development using horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing since it began an environmental review in 2008. The review, and new regulations, are expected to be completed this year.