Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly backing away from a decision on hydrofracking.

Sources close to the governor told the Associated Press that Cuomo was close to approving the controversial gas-drilling method last month, but they said Cuomo decided to hold off after discussions with his former brother-in-law, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy said he helped persuade Cuomo to wait for a new comprehensive health study that could be the most thorough one on fracking yet, but the first results from the study may not be ready for a year.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, uses a mix of water and chemicals to crack open shale thousands of feet underground and release natural gas.

Supporters say it would bring much-needed jobs to the state, but critics worry about the environmental impact.