HIGH COURT UPHOLDS
TOWN FRACKING BANS
ALBANY – The state’s highest court, 5-2, has upheld Middlefield and Dryden’s zoning laws that prohibit fracking in their borders.
The decision, issued today by the state Court of Appeals, says the state Legislature has the right to override home rule – the practice that allows localities to act on matters not addressed at the state level – but has not chosen to do so.
“The zoning laws of Dryden and Middlefield are therefore valid,” the decision concludes.