Patch Readers Debate Pros and Cons of Hydrofracking

So, it appears that hydrofracking is a topic about which Douglaston-Little Neck Patch readers have strong opinions.

As of this morning, a whopping 1,389 readers cast their votes in our in New York State.

For those unaware of the procedure, hydrofracking involves extracting natural gas and petroleum by drilling into rock layers.

Those who support the procedure say it could be a source of energy and revenue for the state, while its opponents say it could pose dangers to the state's water supply.

Currently, 65 percent of voters say that hydraulic fracturing should be allowed and 33 percent say it should not. Only eight voters are currently undecided.

If you haven't already voted in our poll, be sure to do so now and post your comments in the section provided below.

In the meantime, here's a roundup of some of the comments in the debate taking place on Douglaston-Little Neck Patch.

Cynthia Ga
Fracking is a resource intensive, dangerous way of making some money for companies that will pick up and leave when the water and land is contaminated. Too risky for New York State.

Commenter known as 'Random Action
Ban fracking. It's too dangerous. It's currently leading to the largest Superfund cleanup ever - a mile deep and impossible to reach!

Mark Smith
People are misinformed. The media blows things way out of the picture. There are thousands of gas wells in Pennsylvania now, but you only hear about the couple of accidents. The people against drilling in New York are the people who don't own land to make any money from it. Sorry, I'm all for drilling.

Vic
This should never have become a political issue when it is a scientific one. The science overwhelmingly shows fracking to be safe and the track record proves it.

John Gangeme
It is safe and would help New York State's economy, along with the people. Look how it has helped Pennsylvania. Landowners should have the rights to decide what to do for their own property.

Cayuga Pete
The more you know, the worse it gets. Hydraulic fracturing is an inherently toxic, polluting and dangerous form of fossil fuel extraction. The means by which it is done devours and spoils our precious water and industrializes our rural roads and lands with ceaseless truck and drill pad activity. There is a better way than this shortsighted and greedy means of getting people the energy they need.