More than 1,000 rally at New York Capitol to call for ban on fracking

After yesterday’s State of the State address in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo captured headlines for a passionate speech about reducing gun violence and strengthening gun control laws. He also outlined plans for tourism, agriculture, the economy and education. He did not mention one of the most controversial issues the state is facing - whether to lift a moratorium on fracking. To put pressure on the Governor and other elected officials, more than 1,000 people gathered at the capitol to call for a ban on fracking. FSRN’s Jim Krivo was there and brings you some of their voices.

Those were the voices of protesters in Albany, including: singer Natalie Merchant and her husband, Jon Bowermaster; Wes Gillingham, with the environmental group Catskill Mountainkeeper; and Stephanie Redman and her son Quaylin. The State Assembly is holding a public hearing on fracking today, and some lawmakers are urging the Governor to extend the comment period on the latest fracking regulations, which ends tomorrow.