Quick Vote:
What do you think of a temporary drilling moratorium in NY?
Do you want Governor David Paterson to sign a resolution to put permitting for hydraulic fracturing on hold until May 15, 2011?
A temporary moratorium on natural gas drilling in New York is headed to the governor's desk.
The drilling moratorium bill wasn't on the agenda Monday in a special session called by Governor David Paterson, but after that meeting wrapped up, the Assembly opened a regular session to vote on it.
The State Senate passed the moratorium in August, so it now heads to Paterson for a signature.
The moratorium puts a hold on hydraulic fracturing until May. The idea is to give the state more time to understand the impacts of hydro-fracturing.
But Assemblyman Cliff Crouch says many of his constituents do want drilling to move forward. "We have an opportunity here with an energy source that's relatively clean. It's a fossil fuel, but it's still relatively clean, and done correctly, can do a good job for New York State at creating jobs," says Crouch.
The Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York estimates that New York State itself could make $1 million every year issuing drilling permits.
Drilling supporters also say inviting gas companies to the area would invite 5,000 jobs.
Twitter
Facebook