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

Monday, May 13, 2013  New York's five-year moratorium on shale gas development promised to be a blessing for many landowners eager to end leases they signed before anyone outside of the oil and gas industry had heard of fracking.

Thursday, May 02, 2013  A mid-level appeals court says New York municipalities can use local zoning laws to ban the use of hydraulic fracturing to drill for natural gas.

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.

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

Wednesday, June 13, 2012  Landowners along New York's southern border who support natural gas drilling are cheered by reports that the Cuomo administration is considering allowing hydraulic fracturing on a limited basis only in towns that want it.

Thursday, April 19, 2012  Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens says there's no timeline for a decision on whether fracking of shale gas wells will be allowed in New York state, but the review will likely continue through the summer.

Thursday, March 15, 2012  The chairman of a Vermont-based company looking to handle waste from shale gas drilling has told investors that hydraulic fracturing in New York state likely won't begin until 2013.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012  How to handle millions of gallons of contaminated wastewater after gas drilling begins in New York's Marcellus Shale region remains unsettled as the state considers final regulations.

Thursday, January 19, 2012  Two groups of scientists at Cornell University are dueling over whether natural gas from shale is better or worse than coal when it comes to global climate change.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011  Landowners eager to cash in on natural gas leases implored New York state regulators to swiftly clear the way for hydraulic fracturing while other residents, farmers and environmental groups called for a ban on the technology at a public hearing in the Catskills on Tuesday.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011  The hydrofracking debate takes center stage in Central New York this afternoon, as opponents hold a rally in the Finger Lakes.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011  Opponents of natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale in southern New York promise to be out in force as the state begins public hearings on its rules governing the practice known as "fracking."

Wednesday, September 07, 2011  An updated version of its environmental impact study on natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale region is ready to be released for public comment.

Monday, August 29, 2011  The state Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to release its latest environmental impact study on natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale region this week.

Friday, July 15, 2011  As Governor Andrew Cuomo stops in Watertown, an advocacy group calls his girlfriend's dealings into question.