(WBNG Binghamton) The state Department of Environmental Conservation has officially prohibited high-volume hydraulic fracturing across New York.

The DEC issued its formal findings statement this week, completing a seven year review.

"We are a state that’s at the heart of the Marcellus Shale formation," said President of Toxics Targeting Walter Hang. " And we value protecting public health and the environment more than we value getting fossil fuels out of the ground."

In its statement, the DEC said, "high-volume hydraulic fracturing poses significant adverse impacts to land, air, water, natural resources and potential significant public health impacts."

Not everyone agrees.

"This is nothing more than a political decision," said President of the Joint Landowners Coalition of New York Daniel Fitzsimmons.

Earlier this month, the United States Environmental Protection Agency released a draft assessment of its latest study on hydro-fracking.

The EPA concluded, "hydraulic fracturing activities in the U.S. are carried out in a way that have not led to widespread, systemic impacts on drinking water resources."
Fitzsimmons agrees with the EPA.

"I believe the EPA, the federal government," said Fitzsimmons. "There isn't anything that's brought up where hydraulic fracturing has actually caused any problem with any water aquifers. None."

Hang hopes to meet with representatives with the EPA soon.
"We're gonna try to get EPA to revise that draft," said Hang. "Shale fracking has to be done properly, otherwise it can't be allowed."

Some say fracking can be done properly.

"There's 30 states that are actually drilling and are using hydraulic fracturing," said Fitzsimmons. "This can be done safely we just have to use the proper management practices and do it right."