Governor Paterson is acting like hydro-fracking is a done deal.

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Governor Paterson is acting like hydro-fracking is a done deal.
His proposed budget released Tuesday, Jan. 19, includes funding for 29 DEC positions “to process natural-gas permits and oversee drilling activities,” according to Environmental Activities of New York.   This, while cutting 54 positions elsewhere in DEC.
Another six related positions would be added in the state Health Department and PSC.
The budget also includes a 3 percent production tax on natural gas, projecting $1 million in revenues in the 2011-12 year.
All local environmental groups are opposing hydro-fracking in the Marcellus Shale formation, saying it’s a threat to water supplies.