Fracking update: Andrew Cuomo holds off on approving gas drilling method

Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- People familiar with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's thinking on fracking tell The Associated Press he was on the brink of approving the much-debated gas drilling method last month but held off after discussions with environmentalist and former brother-in-law Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy tells the AP he helped persuade Cuomo to wait, pending a new health study that could be thorough enough to trump all others in New York's five-year-long fracking debate.

Two people close to Cuomo tell the AP the governor was preparing to allow limited drilling at 10 to 40 test wells.

Those people, who demanded anonymity because they aren't authorized to speak publicly on the governor's deliberations, say he changed his mind after discussions with Kennedy.

The first results from the study may not be available for up to a year. Supporters say such drilling would bring needed jobs.