The Ithaca Journal is reporting that cuts in the state work force at the New York Department of Environmental Conservation will likely have an impact on oil and gas development in the state: "Staff reduction could make permitting and oversight of Marcellus Shale drilling sites difficult, the DEC contends. The department is reviewing its permitting guidelines, and drilling for gas in the Marcellus -- a gas-rich formation underneath much of the Southern Tier and Pennsylvania -- remains on hold in New York until they are finalized."
With NY - The best advice may be "Don't hold your breath."