Status of Fracking in NY

Currently high-volume hydraulic fracturing (often called fracking) is not permitted in New York State. This page contains an archive of maps outlining how public support changed over time, including where fracking support existed and where bans or moratoria (temporary bans) were put in place by NY residents.

Many communities in New York state banded together to limit or delay unconventional natural gas drilling or related operations in their municipalities. The right for a municipality to choose to ban drilling was recently upheld in a 5-2 decision by New York State’s highest court, the Court of Appeals. The decision, which came down on June 30, 2014, can be read here. James “Chip” Northrup also provided a short history of the hydrofracking bans movement in New York State since 2011, as well as his recent analysis of why Governor Cuomo and his Commissioners of Environmental Conservation and Health announced on December 17, 2014 that high volume hydraulic fracturing would not be allowed in New York State.

For a link to our post and the video announcement at Cuomo’s Cabinet meeting on December 17, click here.