ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A New York State Assembly proposal for an independent health impact study of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas has been dropped during budget negotiations.
Numerous physicians and environmental groups have criticized the Department of Environmental Conservation for not including a comprehensive health impact study in its environmental review of gas drilling using high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." DEC says health impacts were considered in drafting regulations to prevent adverse effects.
Environmental groups on Monday criticized Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for blocking the $100,000 Assembly appropriation for a health study.
The industry opposes a health study, saying existing studies elsewhere have found no adverse impacts.
Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, chairman of the chamber's Environment Conservation commission, confirmed Monday the measure has been dropped.