WBGH

BINGHAMTON, N.Y.

Opponents of hydrofracking are warning the public about numerous accidents, spills and disasters that have taken place across the State.

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. Opponents of hydraulic fracturing say Governor Cuomo is not keeping his promise of banning the practice in New York State.

Binghamton (WIVT) - Anti-fracking activists are decrying a potential loophole in the state's ban on the controversial gas drilling technique.

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.

Binghamton (WIVT) - While opponents of high volume horizontal hydrofracking have been celebrating a state ban on the controversial process, one prominent activist says no such permanent prohibition has yet been made official.

The fractivists were out in full-force Friday at Binghamton University.

Fractivists are expected to show up in force at B.U. Friday.

They're hoping to catch the President's eye as he rolls in. President Obama supports natural gas development. He outlined that point in his State of the Union address. Walter Hang, who is the President of Toxics Targeting, based in Ithaca, has been helping to organize the large anti-fracking rally. He says people from New York, Pennsylvania and even Ohio will be at the protest.

Walter Hang says, "They're going to be sending a very clear message to the President. He shouldn't be supporting shale fracking until comprehensive public health studies are completed and pollution liability safeguards are have been adopted. That should be his national policy and it isn't at this point."

New York currently has a moratorium on fracking. Pro-drilling supporters will be having a picnic rally at Otsiningo Park in Dickinson Friday.

A longtime anti-fracking activist is ratcheting up his letter writing campaign to Governor Cuomo with a new on-line message.

Environmental fractivists are asking Governor Andrew Cuomo to do a public health impact study before making a decision on whether to allow fracking or not in New York State.

From Walter Hang:

Binghamton Mayor Matthew T. Ryan and local citizen activists will hold a news conference to release a letter sent to Governor Cuomo which requests that State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav R. Shaw immediately undertake a “Public Health Impact Study” of High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing in order to fulfill sweeping requirements announced by the Cuomo Administration on 9/20/12. Until that Study is completed, the letter requests that New York’s shale gas extraction moratorium remain in effect.