Metro

NY can’t make up its fracking mind

ALBANY — With voters split down the middle on fracking, Gov. Cuomo’s point man on the controversial practice signaled yesterday that the can may get kicked even further down the road.

State Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joseph Martens testified to state lawmakers yesterday that the Cuomo administration might miss a Feb. 27 deadline for adopting regulations for high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing if a health review that’s still ongoing recommends additional safety measures.

He also revealed that his department hired a consultant to see if drilling could cause earthquakes upstate, as it is believed to have done in Ohio.

The DEC needs to finalize a more than 4-year-old environmental review by next Wednesday if it’s to meet the Feb. 27 deadline. If not, the rulemaking process would start over and would delay any drilling permits for months — at least.

A Siena College poll yesterday found that voters statewide are evenly divided on whether Cuomo should green-light the practice of fracturing the Marcellus shale with a high-pressure mix of chemicals, sand and water to capture trapped natural gas.

But the survey of 1,154 registered voters found opponents — mainly Democrats — would be more upset if fracking goes forward than opponents — mainly Republicans — would if Cuomo says no.

Anti-frackers dominated yesterday’s budget hearing, with some hounding Martens afterwards.

Arun Gandhi, the grandson of legendary Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, joined them to sign a “pledge of resistance” and suggest civil disobedience if fracking goes forward.