“The New York State Assembly on Monday passed a one-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, a method of natural gas drilling already under a temporary ban in the state due to concerns that it might pollute drinking water.

The moratorium on new drilling permits would run through June 1, 2012, replacing the current ban set to expire later this summer, when state environmental officials are expected to release a report on potential hazards of “hydrofracking.”

The measure must also pass the Republican-controlled state Senate to become law.”

NY assembly extends fracking ban for another year via Dan Weissner – Reuters