The contentious issue of hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking, in New York State continues to divide residents.
A recent Siena College poll shows likely voters are evenly divided on whether they want fracking allowed in the state: 39 percent support it, 38 percent are opposed, while 23 percent either have no opinion or don't have enough information.
"You also have to look at this from a regional perspective," said Siena pollster Steve Greenberg.
"Downstate voters say, 'Yeah, let's go ahead with fracking,' whether they be in the downstate suburbs or New York City. But when it comes to upstaters, 36 percent want fracking to move forward, but a near majority, 48 percent, do not want fracking to go forward," Greenberg said.
"So, fracking is not popular in upstate, where it's going to take place."
Fracking blasts high volumes of water, sand, and chemicals to crack shale rock deep underground and release natural gas.
Supporters laud the potential energy and economic benefits, while opponents believe the process could contaminate well water.
Governor Cuomo and the state DEC are expected to announce a decision soon.
Greenberg says the divide over the natural gas extraction method presents a problem for the Cuomo administration. Greenberg calls it a "political lose-lose" for the popular Democratic governor.
"Whatever the governor winds up doing on this one, nearly half of New York voters are going to be upset by his decision."
The Independent Oil & Gas Association of NY (IOGA of NY) issued the following statement in response to the poll:
“It’s difficult to draw definitive conclusions from today’s survey, however, IOGA of NY believes that based on the success that natural gas development has generated in other states, New Yorkers are open to moving forward with natural gas exploration and development opportunities, especially in the Southern Tier.”
