Fracking

The anti-hydrofracking group Elected Officials to Protect New York held a news conference at the capitol on Wednesday arguing that the potential costs of dealing with a natural gas boom could be seen as an unfunded mandate on localities.

The Village of Oxford’s board of trustees has approved the first hydrofracking ban in Chenango County. In a 4-1 vote, a zoning measure was passed that bars gas exploration, extraction and disposal within the Village of Oxford.

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced Tuesday that Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation has agreed to publicly disclose its policy and procedures for eliminating or minimizing the use of toxic substances in its hydraulic fracturing fluids.

New Yorkers remain divided on the issue of hydrofracking and southern tier residents are just as split, according to a new Siena College Research Institute poll of New York voters released Tuesday.

A coalition of environmental groups called on state officials to release details of a health impact study for shale gas drilling and a procedure that involves blasting chemical-laden water deep into the ground.

The Oxford Village Board has tabled a measure to become the first in Chenango County to put a hold on natural gas drilling. Village leaders say that because of the controversy over the issue, they want to take their time with the decision.

Opponents of hydrofracking at the state capitol in Albany on Monday were calling for a public hearing on the potential health risks associated with fracking. It is something that currently would not be required under the DEC Roadmap, which will oversee the ultimate decision on whether the natural gas drilling technique should be allowed.

As Americans move deeper into the winter heating season, the amount of U.S. natural gas in underground storage reached an estimated 3.9 trillion cubic feet at the end of October.

Congressman Richard Hanna will make a stop in Norwich Saturday. He will be at the Norwich fire house at 12:30 p.m. to meet with his constituents, and then will take part in the annual YMCA Halloween parade at 2 p.m.

New York's four-year debate over natural gas drilling is bound to affect candidates running for local, sate and federal offices.