A permanent ban on hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking, is a provision Governor Andrew Cuomo included in his state budget.

The proposal, if approved, would lead to the restriction of permits for high-volume hydrofracking to being a matter set in law.

Cuomo moved to ban the practice in 2014, and the Department of Environmental Conservation finalized it in 2015. 

"New York's leadership on hydraulic fracturing continues to protect the environment and public health, including the drinking water of millions of people, and we must make it permanent once and for all," Cuomo said. "In the five years since fracking was banned, we have proven that it was, in fact, not the only economic option for the Southern Tier. The region has since become a hotbed for clean energy and economic development investment through programs like 76West and Southern Tier Soaring, creating new good-quality jobs that pave the way for further growth."

Hydrofracking was a prominent issue the governor dealt with during his first term, and one Republican Rob Astorino campaigned on in 2014. Ultimately, Cuomo approved the ban, which was unlikely to pass under Republican control in the state Senate.

"Governor Cuomo has detailed the biggest and boldest environmental agenda in the nation, and the permanent ban of hydrofracking is a critical part in ensuring the protection of water quality, transitioning from fossil fuels, and continuing our role as a climate leader," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.