TOMPKINS COUNTY (AP) -- ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) - A New York town is facing off with an energy company over a proposed ban on natural gas drilling.

Lawyers for the town of Dryden went before a judge in Tompkins County on Friday to defend its right to enact local zoning rules restricting drilling within its borders.

The town was sued by the Anschutz Exploration Corporation, of Denver, in September after it amended its zoning ordinance to ban drilling rigs.

Some environmentalists say gas drilling can damage water supplies.

The company had already spent $5 million leasing land in Dryden in preparation of a gas rush. It says state law prohibits municipalities from regulating the gas industry.

The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin reports (http://press.sn/uc7Xo9 ) that the judge hearing the case didn't say when he might render a decision.

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