Binghamton (WIVT) - Members of the community who oppose fracking are rejoicing one day after New York State officially banned the practice of high-volume hydraulic fracturing.
A news conference was held outside Binghamton City Hall Tuesday afternoon.
Representatives from New York State Residents Against Drilling, or NYRAD, gathered to celebrate the prohibition of fracking in the State.
On Monday, the State's DEC released a final assessment concluding that there are no feasible alternatives to avoid or minimize environmental impacts of fracking.
President of Toxics Targeting Walter Hang said he couldn't believe the news.
"I was shocked, I was thrilled. I couldn't believe that it turned out so well. When I read the findings statement, it was like looking at all of the concerns that we originally raised," said Hang.
The Joint Landowners Coalition of New York, who are in favor of fracking, have released the following statement:
"Governor Cuomo has dealt a devastating blow to thousands of Upstate New Yorkers who had hoped to pull themselves up from economic despair. The Governor's Upstate New York policies have led to the largest out-migration of any state in the nation, causing Southern Tier residents to call for secession to Pennsylvania."