Fracking Ban Overturned

10/2/2012 (Updated 6:55:20 PM)

Hydrofracking cannot be banned within Binghamton city limits, at least for now.

That's what a judge decided Tuesday, in making a ruling against the ban that was enacted late last year as a city ordinance.

Passage came about with heavy support from Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan.

But the Vestal Gas Coalition took the mayor and the city to court, arguing that the ordinance was not valid, because it is actually a zoning law, that should have first been approved by county planning board, before enactment by city council.

The attorney for the gas coalition says the decision means that landowners will now be able to lease their lands without interference from the city once the state gives approval.

Fox 40 news contacted the mayor's office, but we have not yet received comment.