Despite last December’s hydrofracking divide, Hudson’s Common Council members set aside their differences Tuesday night to vote unanimously for a citywide resolution opposing the drilling, storage and dispersal of hydrofracking fluids.

"It's frack or Iraq," my brother insisted, as we debated America's energy policy. And for a moment, the choice seemed that simple. But no sloganeering or headline can distill the truth about hydraulic fracturing, because, like virtually everything in life, it presents potential reward and risk.

Since its creation, the Office of Energy Development has been under fire by those opposed to hydrofracking. Those opposed to the office say it's a cover to promote fracking in Broome County despite county officials repeatedly saying otherwise.

Two Fredonia residents have asked the Pomfret council to consider establishing a 10-year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing within town limits and to prevent water removed from fracturing sites from being treated or dumped in the town.

Responding to news that gas drilling companies again face a delay in expanded drilling in New York, landowners say they are the victim of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's political agenda, while the gas industry says science shows drilling can be done safely.

Last week, New York State officials announced another delay of their final decision on hydrofracking. A delayed health review is now the key factor in deciding whether or not fracking will go ahead in New York.

Since New York first put large-scale hydraulic fracturing on hold 41/2 years ago, the highly passionate supporters and opponents of shale-gas drilling have agreed on little. Except this: There will be lawsuits.

The possibility of fracking has insinuated itself so deeply into so many aspects of local life, the fabric of that life has been frayed. In New York's Sullivan County, that is the one thing both sides of the issue can agree on.

A group of current and former residents on Watertown's north side claims to have uncovered evidence of manipulation in the way test data about trichloroethylene pollution in their homes and schools was presented.

Ultimately, what is likely to happen underground in each fracked well over years or decades or even longer is, to borrow a phrase, a known unknown. That is hardly reassuring for vast rural regions reliant on underground supplies of drinking water.

Once Cuomo makes up his mind — and assuming he gives the go-ahead — the DEC plans to start small, issuing a limited number of permits in towns that have voted to welcome drilling.

Word Tuesday that a continuing review of potential health effects related to hydraulic fracturing in New York will delay implementation of industry regulations was met with predictable displeasure by fracking proponents.

The state’s study on the effect of hydrofracking on public health is pending. The scope and depth of it have been secret. We offer steps to help ensure the regulations will protect the public’s health.

The Olive Town Board has adopted a ban on hydraulic fracturing, the natural gas drilling method commonly known or fracking. The ban, approved by the board on Tuesday, was embraced by the group Olive Defense Against Fracking.

The heated controversy continues to divide communities, particularly in the Southern Tier, which would most likely see the immediate benefits of hydrofracking. It was an issue in last fall’s elections that saw victories by pro-drilling candidates across the region.

Anti-fracking activists are happy to hear State Health Commissioner Nirav Shah's announcement that his study of the health impact of the drilling process won't be done in time for the state to make a February 27th deadline.

The owner of a local health food store is making a special effort to be certain her customers are not unknowingly getting genetically modified foods.

Common Council members recently received recognition from environmentalist Nadia Steinzor for facing hydraulic fracturing “head on and proactively.”

Two environmental groups on Tuesday filed a First Amendment lawsuit against a Broome County municipality, arguing the rights of its residents were violated when the town board prohibited discussion of hydrofracking at public meetings.

The regulations to allow fracking in New York will likely be delayed yet again.