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Gov. Cuomo says hydrofracking still on the table, no position on Silver
by
August 12, 2013
Susan Arbetter, host of WCNY’s The Capitol Pressroom, spoke Tuesday with Gov. Andrew Cuomo about hydrocfracking and how it relates to upstate New York’s economy. He also provided insight on Assembly Sheldon Silver.
“Hydrofracking is still being considered, but is alone not going to change the trajectory of the upstate economy,” Cuomo said.
He said his decision regarding hydrofracking approval is contingent on the results of an on-going health department review and does not have an update on any of the review’s findings.
Still, while fracking remains on hold, Cuomo has seen his approval ratings go up since the end of the legislative session according to a recent Siena poll, including a 16 point positive swing with upstate voters.
Cuomo has made several trips north of New York City to deal with storm damage, to tout the state as a tourist attraction and to deliver long disputed Indian casino gaming revenues to host communities in the Buffalo area.
During the interview, Cuomo touted programs like Start-Up New York, a program that offers tax-free status for 10 years to companies willing to locate on or near SUNY campuses.
Regarding Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Cuomo said it was not his place to take a position. Silver has been criticized for how he’s handled sexual harassment cases with members of his Democratic conference.
“The legislature picks the Speaker,” Cuomo said.
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