Latest local news, weather and sports for Syracuse and Central New York

Thursday, March 21, 2013  Environmentalists and the energy industry are asking a court to decide their battle over previous rulings allowing New York towns to ban drilling for natural gas using high-volume hydraulic fracturing.

Monday, March 18, 2013  Celebrities belonging to the group Artists Against Fracking are wielding star power to influence New York law, but they may also be running afoul of it.

Saturday, March 09, 2013  A health study cited by leading environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as pivotal in helping persuade Gov. Andrew Cuomo to hold off on plans for a limited fracking pilot program is likely years away from conclusions about whether the shale gas-drilling technology is safe.

Wednesday, March 06, 2013  Hydrofracking may not be allowed in New York State for another two years.

Saturday, March 02, 2013  New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he will continue to await health studies before determining whether to allow natural gas drilling in New York

Saturday, February 09, 2013  A landowners' coalition says it's laying the groundwork for a lawsuit against New York State if regulators miss a Feb. 27 deadline to complete rules for shale gas development.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013  A coalition of 65 state lawmakers is asking Gov. Andrew Cuomo to release the Department of Environmental Conservation's review of potential health impacts of shale gas drilling for public comment before deciding whether to allow drilling to begin.

Monday, February 04, 2013  State lawmakers are expected to question Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens about fracking.

Thursday, January 31, 2013  The Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday shows 43 percent support drilling because of the economic benefits and 42 oppose it because of environmental concerns.

Wednesday, January 09, 2013  A group of more than 500 protesters, including at least 80 from Central New York, will rally against hydrofracking outside Governor Cuomo's State of the State Address in Albany.

Friday, December 07, 2012  A natural gas drilling company that had counted on tapping the riches of New York's part of the Marcellus Shale has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Thursday, December 06, 2012  A new poll shows more New Yorkers support "hydrofracking" than oppose it, with support more common in downstate regions.

Tuesday, December 04, 2012  Town of Onondaga council members unanimously voted to ban hydrofracking.

Monday, December 03, 2012  Elected officials from all over New York state state are asking leaders at the Environment, Governmental and Health levels to take a closer look at the recent revisions to the Department of Environmental Conservation's Hydrofracking impact study. They want more transparency -- More specifically, what effects drilling would have on air quality, water supply, and overall quality of life should it be allowed in New York State.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012  An agency spokeswoman says the state Department of Environmental Conservation will file for a 90-day extension when the deadline for finalizing new gas-drilling regulations arrives on Thursday.