Opinion

Cuomo gets it right on fracking

Here’s a surprise: Gov. Cuomo said something right about fracking.

The governor’s remarks have their roots in a new statewide Quinnipiac University poll that shows 46 percent of New Yorkers opposed to fracking against only 39 percent for — the first time fracking opponents outnumbered fracking supporters by a clear margin.

In response, the state Petroleum Council declared that “the issue isn’t polls, it’s leadership”— meaning the governor.

Well, yes and no.

It’s certainly true the governor’s manufactured delays do not serve the state. But Cuomo’s reply was equally on point:

“I suggest they consider, why do people think that way?” he said. “If you are a lobbyist for the pro-fracking entities, my suggestion [is] you have work to do . . . Talk to the people of the state, talk to the legislators and elected officials in the state, and explain to them why their fears are all unfounded.”

That’s sound advice.

Granted, the anti-fracking movement can call on celebrities such as Yoko Ono, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Kennedy Jr. to make its case and ensure it gets attention. And Cuomo’s tactic of pushing a decision on fracking further and further down the road has given the antis precious time to organize and mobilize.

Fracking proponents need to do the same.

Yes, Gov. Cuomo should get off his duff and put a stop to the charade that he’s been conducting on this issue since the day he first took office.

But he’s right about this much: If the proponents of fracking ever want to see it in New York, they are going to have to persuade the people of their case.