Environmental groups rally for "fracking" bills | Environment

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Numerous health and environmental groups are calling for a legislative ban on hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells, saying no amount of regulation can adequately safeguard water supplies from contamination.

Hundreds of people from around the state will be in Albany on Monday to lobby state lawmakers for various bills related to the practice known as "fracking." Many are pushing a bill that would ban fracking, which stimulates gas production by injecting wells with chemically treated water to fracture shale. Others are supporting a bill putting a moratorium on shale gas development.

The groups rallied Monday in the Legislative Office Building next to the Capitol.

Erica Ringewald of Environmental Advocates says the legislative agenda also includes a bill promoting solar industry jobs.

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