ENVIRONMENT: Rochester City Council passes fracking moratorium 

Rochester City Council approved a one-year moratorium on natural gas exploration and extraction in the city at last night’s meeting. Council members also approved new budgets for the city and for the Rochester school district.

Council members said the moratorium is needed because there hasn’t been sufficient research into the impact of fracking in urban areas, and that the process “may pose a significant threat to the health, safety, and welfare” of residents and visitors.

Rush, Mendon, Brighton, and the city and town of Canandaigua have passed similar ordinances. Penfield is considering a moratorium.

Council also approved budgets for the City of Rochester and the Rochester school district. The school district’s budget passed 8 to 1, with Council member Carolee Conklin voting against.