"Gov. David A. Paterson of New York on Saturday vetoed legislation intended to curtail natural gas development using the technique called hydraulic fracturing until a closer review of its effects can be undertaken.

Instead, the governor issued an executive order instituting a moratorium that extends until July 1, 2011 -- beyond the date specified in the legislation -- and that more narrowly defines the types of drilling to be restricted.

'This legislation, which was well intentioned, would have a serious impact on our state if signed into law,'Mr. Paterson said in a prepared statement. 'Enacting this legislation would put people out of work – work that is permitted by the Department of Environmental Conservation and causes no demonstrated environmental harm, in order to effectuate a moratorium that is principally symbolic.'

The legislation, which was passed by the New York State Assembly late last month before being sent to Mr. Paterson for his signature, would have placed a moratorium on issuing new permits for gas drilling that relies on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking."

Tom Zeller Jr. reports for the New York Times' Green blog December 11, 2010. [2]