Vote set on Bethel fracking ban

BETHEL, NY — The Town of Bethel Town Board is scheduled to vote on new zoning designed to ban high-impact industrial uses on Thursday, April 26. The ordinance would have the effect of outlawing horizontal hydrofracking for natural gas. The board is expected to approve the ordinance.

The towns of Tusten and Lumberland have already passed similar bans, and the Town of Highland has drafted one that is currently under public discussion. Highland will hold a public hearing on Friday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Eldred Central School.