Pro-Gas Group Blasts New York Moratorium

An energy industry organization has launched an effort to call more attention to New York State's effective moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracturing.

The Independent Oil and Gas Association is publicizing information it says will show what the state has lost as development of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale has been on hold for the past five years.

The group issued a news release Wednesday noting 1,882 days had passed since Governor David Paterson announced the fracking moratorium.

Association executive director Brad Gill said the delay "represents more than five years of political indecision." In his statement, Gill said the "science is settled on the issue."

While industry groups and landowner coalitions continue to call on Governor Andrew Cuomo to clear the way for gas development, many environmental organizations say they're pleased a decision on fracking has yet to be announced.

During a brief visit to Broome County earlier this month, Cuomo said there was "nothing new" regarding the state health commissioner's review of the issue.