NY frac ban to extend another year

New York: Ban on fracturing poised to last into 2014

AFP PHOTO/SCANPIX

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News Wires

 14 February 2013 21:04 GMT

The debate over hydraulic fracturing in New York state is hitting new heights as regulators delay a final decision on the controversial natural gas production method, but it looks increasingly clear that it will be a year - if ever - before drilling begins again.

Governor Andrew Cuomo missed a Wednesday deadline for completing a report on the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing, better known as fracking, that was to form the basis for new drilling rules, Reuters reported.

As a result, a now-four year moratorium on shale gas drilling in the Empire State could extend into 2014 forcing companies such as Chesapeake Energy and a host of smaller independents to sit on their idle land leases and wait, according to the news wire.

Over the last decade, US energy companies have advanced hydraulic fracturing techniques, unlocking vast quantities of natural gas and oil trapped in…

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