Cuomo denies near-approval on fracking

ALBANY -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday a discussion over a new study on hydraulic fracturing with his former brother-in-law, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., didn't derail an imminent approval of the natural gas drilling method that could remain in limbo for another year.

Cuomo confirmed that he'd spoken with the environmental activist -- himself an opponent of fracking unless it can be proven safe -- but maintained that no approval of limited test wells was coming before their conversation.

"It's not accurate that we were about to go forward and then there was a discussion with him that changed my mind, that's just not accurate," Cuomo said.

The Associated Press reported over the weekend that Kennedy and two officials familiar with Cuomo's thinking nearly a month ago said Cuomo had come closer than ever to deciding to approve limited test wells, although Cuomo hadn't made the decision.

That's when Kennedy discussed with Cuomo a new $1 million study that was announced in mid-February to conduct an exhaustive health study of people living near hydrofracking wells in Pennsylvania.

The breadth of the study and involvement of an independent foundation without a political bent on fracking is thought to be able to trump other, conflicting studies performed so far.

"I think the issue suddenly got simple for him," Kennedy told the AP. Then Kennedy paraphrased Cuomo in their discussions: " 'If it's causing health problems, I really don't want it in New York State. And if it's not causing health problems, we should figure out a way we can do it.' " Cuomo agreed with that characterization Monday.

"It sounds like what I've said, it sounds like what I've said to you 9 million times -- that this has great possible economic benefit for the state, in a part of the state that badly needs jobs, but you have to make sure it's safe and there is no health risk," Cuomo said.

The study by the Geisinger Health System of Pennsylvania is expected to have preliminary results within a year, but there is not yet any timetable.

Cuomo also said Monday that he has no estimate of when he will make a decision. He said that depends on further studies by his health and environmental conservation commissioners.