Is Fracking Fine for New Yorkers?

Under the direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York State is involved in an intense effort to determine the potential public health and environmental consequences of hydrofracking as it considers whether or not to lift a ban on the drilling practice. A recent article in The New York Times seemed to indicate that the practiced had been deemed safe. The Times article was based on a leaked report from the New York Health Department.

Just a couple of problems, says Bump. "While the report suggests that fracking doesn’t pose risks, there are at least two gigantic caveats....Yes, the report is an aggregation of existing research, not new reporting on any health effects. And, yes, it’s outdated."