Local Facking Ban Ruling Expected in New York’s High Court

New York State's highest court could come to a decision by the 4^th of July as to whether municipalities like Dryden in Tompkins County can use their zoning laws to prevent gas companies from using hydraulic fracture drilling for natural gas within their borders.

The gas industry has challenged action by two municipalities using their zoning regulations to prohibit fracking that had been held up by a midlevel Appellate Court.

Lawyers for the drilling companies say it’s unrealistic to allow 932 towns to set the energy policy for the state.

The industry has been waiting for any decision on natural gas exploration in New York State's portion of the Marcellus Shale.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Health Department have been studying the possible impacts of drilling on the water supply and other resources and Governor Andrew Cuomo has not made a firm commitment as to when a decision on whether or not fracking will be allowed in the state.

There has been a state-wide moratorium on drilling since 2008.