Brian Nearing reports in the Times Union the state Department of Environmental Conservation gave details of a proposed permit and regulations for natural gas hydraulic fracturing to industry representatives before making those proposals public, according to emails obtained by an environmental group under the state Freedom of Information Act.  The Environmental Working Group said the exchange suggests an overly cozy relationship between the DEC and the natural gas industry. The DEC defended the private release of specific details of its proposed hydrofracking regulations and a stormwater release permit more than a month before that information was released to hydrofracking opponents and the general public. The agency called the communication consistent with state law meant to ensure regulations are not overly burdensome. Read the full story in the Times Union.