A New Siena College Poll indicates growing support for shale development in New York.

It appears the old adage “the truth always prevails” rings true according to a new poll released by Siena College. The poll, which surveyed 750 voters in New York, shows that for the first time a plurality of voters – 42% in support versus 36% opposed –  support the use of hydraulic fracturing (HF) to unlock the state’s natural gas reserves.  Even more noteworthy than the overall level of support is the diversity of those supporters as they reflect a broad cross-section of the Empire State’s population.

The poll asked the following question:

“Do you support or oppose the Department of Environmental Conservation allowing hydrofracking to move forward in parts of upstate New York?”

In response to that question the following groups registered more supporters than detractors:

• Conservatives
• Republicans
• Individuals making between $50k- $100k
• Black residents
• Males
• Moderates
• 

  Photo from the University of Michigan

  Age group 35-54

• Suburban residents
• Upstate residents
• Age group 18-34
• Independent voters
• White residents
• Hispanic residents
• New York City residents
• Age group 55 and over
• Females
• Individuals making less than $50k

The overall level of support is also an increase from the previous Siena poll on the issue. From Upstate all the way to the Big Apple, across racial, gender, and even income divides, New Yorkers are increasingly supportive of hydraulic fracturing.

So, after four years of debate, the tired talking points of anti-natural gas activists are wearing thin, and voters throughout the state are rejecting their claims. Not even the star power of Lady Gaga or $3 million from the Park Foundation can save the opponents’ cause.

New Yorkers are beginning to realize they have been sold a false bill of goods and that they should have the same opportunities as their neighbors in other states – like Ohio and Pennsylvania – where shale development is lifting entire economies from economic stagnation.

Of course, this shouldn’t be all that surprising. Creating jobs in a state with 8.9 percent unemployment is typically going to be more popular than hysteria and misinformation campaigns.