Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential supporters of the banned practice of hydrofracking for gas in New York are hailing the study by the Environmental Protection Agency released June 4, which found the process has not led to widespread, systemic impacts on drinking water resources in the country. Speaking at a press conference Wed., Jun. 10, Karen Moreau [MOOR-oh], executive director of the New York branch of the American Petroleum Institute, called the Southern Tier's vast supply of untapped natural gas reserves a "gift." She said Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has been given a second gift by the EPA and President Barack Obama's leadership, as well. The EPA report goes a long way toward diminishing any uncertainty around the process, Moreau said. She said fracking supporters, including energy firms, pipe fitters and landowners who want to lease their property for drilling, are pinning some level of hope on the fact that the state’s five-year ban is not complete. The state Department of Environmental Conservation must still enter a Findings Document, or decision that would go into the State Register. When and if that happens, Moreau said, there would be lawsuits, possibly by property owners and energy firms. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.