Crains: New York - Natural-gas drilling is a great divider
The bitter debate over allowing hydrofracking in New York is usually portrayed as a battle between those who say the process of extracting gas from shale can ruin the environment and others who say it will create jobs and boost the economy, potentially saving the depressed Southern Tier region of the state. But it might be more accurate to cast it as another chapter in downstate's war on upstate—and not only for the reasons you might expect.
Ironically, downstate and especially New York City are already enjoying the benefits of hydrofracking. Opening up the state to the process won't make much difference to the city. Here's why.