ALBANY -- The state Department of Environmental Conservation expects to release its long-awaited report on the socio-economic impact of hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking, on Wednesday, agency spokeswoman Emily DeSantis said.
Last week, DEC delayed the release of the report in the aftermath of the damage from Tropical Storm Irene. The agency issued part of its findings in July.
The release of the rest of the report is expected to a start a 60-day public comment period on the study, which sets out the proposed rules DEC would use to regulate hydrofracking. Environmental Advocates of New York and other conservation groups that oppose the drilling technique coordinated a social media campaign on Tuesday urging supporters to ask Gov. Andrew Cuomo to order the comment period be extended to 180 days.
Hydrofracking relies on a high-pressure blend of chemical, sand and water, injected deep underground to break up gas-bearing rock formations.
Opponents claim this process can endanger air and water quality, while the industry maintains it is a safe drilling practice.
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