New York Bans Fracking

Governor Andrew Cuomo officially banned hydraulic fracturing in New York on Wednesday, citing public-health concerns and environmental risks. “I cannot support high volume hydraulic fracturing in the great state of New York,” said Cuomo's acting Commisioner of Health, Howad Zucker. New York has had a de facto ban on fracking before Cuomo took office, and he briefly contemplated approving a limited fracking plan in 2012. However, he said later that year he would reevaluate fracking based on health risks. The conclusion from the state's Health Department's report sealed his decision to ban the practice.