Albany Passes Hydrofracking Moratorium

Albany, NY (WIBX) - A moratorium on hydraulic fracture, the controversial method of extracting natural gas from the ground, passed by a vote of 94 - 44 in Albany last night. Lawmakers put a break on the process, which is also called hydrofracking, denying drillers the right to use the process in the State.Hydrofracking is the process of injecting water and a cocktail of extraction chemicals deep into the ground to shake loose natural gas. And the chemicals used are not known to the public in order  to protect industry practice. More than 52,000 New Yorkers signed a petition asking lawmakers to act on the issue by not allowing the process to take place due to the possible harm it poses to drinking water, and other natural resources. The bill to place a moratorium on hydraulic fracture is now heading to Governor Paterson's desk for his signature.