The Cuomo administration is sticking by its decision to ban hydrofracking in New York despite a federal report Thursday that found it caused no “widespread” water contamination.
A spokesman for the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation said New York’s decision not to allow the controversial natural gas drilling process was based on factors beyond possible water contamination.
“The EPA's review focused on impacts to water resources related to high-volume hydraulic fracturing, while the state review was much broader - examining impacts to air, water, public health, ecosystems, wildlife and community character,” said DEC spokesman Tom Mailey.