Governor Takes Firm Stand on Controversial Practice, Cites Major Concerns

At a Glance

Gov. Hochul confirmed New York will not engage in fracking for energy.
She emphasizes environmental and public health concerns in her decision.
Vice President Harris’s support for fracking contrasts sharply with Hochul’s stance.
Hochul promotes carbon-free energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal.

Governor Hochul’s Firm Stance

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has confirmed that the state will not engage in fracking to boost energy supply. Hochul highlighted environmental and public health concerns as primary reasons for her continued opposition, reinforcing New York’s proactive stance on ecological preservation. Despite the national discourse on energy, Hochul remains steadfast in her viewpoint.

At a recent summit, Hochul was quoted saying, “We’re not fracking, we’re not burning coal. We’re not going backwards.” This statement underscores her commitment to sustainable energy policies. Hochul’s position starkly contrasts with Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent support for fracking. Harris stated, “As vice president I did not ban fracking. As president, I will not ban fracking,” a 180-degree turn from her 2020 presidential campaign stance.

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Economic Implications

While fracking presents significant economic opportunities, such as the $41 billion industry in Pennsylvania, Hochul remains focused on New York’s long-term sustainability goals. The potential economic benefits are weighed against the environmental and public health risks. The Manhattan Institute report estimated substantial job creation and economic benefits if fracking were permitted in New York. However, Gov. Hochul supports alternative solutions like offshore wind, solar, and geothermal energy.

“Counties with high fracking potential experience a natural resources boom,” noted Howard Husock, emphasizing the economic possibilities. Husock suggests that following Pennsylvania’s example could revive upstate New York’s economy, which has been in decline. Fracking could bring increased income, employment, and local government revenue, similar to the $400 million annual gas and oil revenue observed in Pennsylvania.

Kathy Hochul @GovKathyHochul is making a huge mistake. New Yorkers care about climate change, don't want fracking, and want cleaner air and less cars on our streets.

Her assault on congestion pricing, and her betrayal of the NY State #fracking ban is inexcusable. She needs to…

— Josh Fox ✡️ 🤌🤘 (@joshfoxfilm) June 5, 2024

Political and Environmental Landscape

Despite the potential economic benefits, the Democratic-run legislature shows little support for revisiting the fracking issue. Hochul’s administration remains aligned with ecological preservation and health risk mitigation. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned fracking in 2014 due to public health risks, and this policy stance continues to influence New York’s approach.

“Natural gas fracking is an estimated $41 billion industry in Pennsylvania — and could be a boon to upstate New York,” Howard Husock writes. Environmentalists, celebrities, and the New York wine industry strongly oppose fracking. The contrast between economic benefits and public health risks remains a pivotal aspect of the ongoing debate.

New York lawmakers recently expanded the fracking ban to include liquid carbon dioxide, indicating a strong legislative preference for caution. “They took care of this really fast because they recognized how harmful it was,” said a lawmaker ahead of the vote. State officials continue to prioritize sustainable and renewable energy investments over fossil fuels.