"The New York State Senate has approved at least a nine-month delay in issuing permits for a method of natural gas drilling, saying more study is needed to ensure it does not contaminate the state's water supply.

The 48 to 9 vote by the senate late on Tuesday was an unusual display of bipartisan cooperation in a divided chamber where Democrats hold a thin majority. The moratorium must still be approved by the state assembly and signed by the governor."

Edith Honan reports for Reuters August 4, 2010. [2]