ALBANY -- State lawmakers will be looking at allowing communities to ban hydrofracking.

Environmentalists want to enact zoning and planning laws that would ban the practice.

State Senator James Seward from Oneonta is co-sponsoring legislation to give local governments the power to keep natural gas drillers out of their towns and villages.

The announcement comes as the state legislative session is set to begin on Wednesday.

State DEC officials are finishing a review of Marcellus Shale gas drilling in New York.

People have until September 11th to submit their comments.

Opponents say hydrofracking can harm drinking water, and nearby rivers and streams.

Supporters say natural gas drilling can bring needed jobs to New York State.

What do you think? Is this overstepping the legislature's boundaries? Should the DEC be given time to finish their regulations first?  Tell us what you think and leave your comments below.