The executive director of the New York State Petroleum Council is expressing optimism that regulations for high-volume hydraulic fracturing for natural gas development will be finalized in the year ahead.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Karen Moreau said she hopes the way will be cleared for work in the Marcellus Shale in the Southern Tier.

Moreau said she expects gas development will be done "really well" in New York because of the work that's gone into establishing guidelines for the industry.

Moreau noted New York regulators have had the opportunity to closely examine the experience of neighboring Pennsylvania with drilling in recent years.

She said New York's regulations with respect to well construction were "superior" to Pennsylvania's even before the extended review process began.

Moreau said while delays in the review may be beneficial in developing a better set of regulations, the down side is that many landowners up to now have missed out on royalties they would have received if large-scale gas development had started in the Southern Tier.

Moreau was in Binghamton for a natural gas development forum and discussion with local leaders planned for Monday evening.

Citizen Action of New York this morning announced it was organizing a late-afternoon anti-fracking rally outside the downtown hotel where the forum is scheduled to take place.

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