Gov. Andrew Cuomo described New York as the "progressive capital of the nation" in his recent State of the State address. In the past, he's noted that "the other states look to New York for the progressive direction."
Yet the governor has so far failed to take the progressive position on the subject of hydrofracking by banning it in our state. The scientific evidence and the weight of public opinion on this issue is overwhelmingly clear. The experience of states like Pennsylvania warns us that public health and environmental problems are inevitable if fracking is allowed.
If Cuomo's goal is to be elected — as governor again in 2014, or perhaps someday as president — he would be wise to listen to the voices of the people of New York and ban fracking.
DORIAN SOLOT
Albany