From CNN via Geology.com:
The New York State Assembly voted 93 to 43 in favor of placing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in the drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale....
The moratorium -- which would only be in effect until May -- seeks to halt new drilling permits for horizontal hydraulic fracturing, dubbed "fracking," a controversial method of extracting natural gas.
The drilling process has come under scrutiny because of the potential effects on drinking water, public health and the environment.
