Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo recently responded to the contentious hydrofracking issue by acknowledging that "the temperature is high. We have a process. Let's get the facts.
Let the science and the facts make the determination, not emotion and not politics." But what about money? With $3.2 million spent by industry lobbyists in Albany last year so far dwarfing the $800K spent by environmental groups, it would appear that the gas companies are controlling the temperature. Who needs Indian Point, anyway?
The Times reports that as Cuomo's administration decides whether or not to issue fracking permits, a "cottage industry" for energy company lobbying has emerged in Albany. Pro-drilling interests have donated $403,000 to New York candidates and parties since the start of last year, and over $100,000 to Governor Cuomo himself.