ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A New York state official says the health department has named experts from George Washington University, the University of California Los Angeles and the Colorado School of Public Health to review the state's environmental study on shale gas development using hydraulic fracturing.
The state official requested anonymity because the announcement had not been formally made.
Health and environmental groups have pressed for a comprehensive and independent health impact analysis before hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is allowed.
Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens rejected that request in September, saying state Health Commissioner Nirav Shah would do the review with help from outside experts.
The DEC faces a deadline of Nov. 29 to complete new regulations for fracking. Martens said the agency's proposals won't be finalized until the health review is finished.
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