Hundreds of people were at the Capitol Monday to rally against hydrofracking. While opponents say the environmental consequences of hydrofracking in New York could be disastrous, others say the dangers aren't as serious as some believe. YNN's Steve Ference reports.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- "In New York State, no more drilling for fossil fuels."

They came from all across New York State.

"We want New York to lead the nation with change."

More than 40 environmental groups - around 500 people - in one of the largest protests against the process of hydrofracking for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale.

"Protect our water. We must protect our water. That's not a resource you can quick turn around and buy. You can't drink gas," said Ann Gunther of New Paltz.

They're saying land and water could be harmed by chemicals used in the process, and chemicals extracted in the process.

"We know that there are glycol ethers, there are betex chemicals, ethyl benzene...But you also have to understand that even if they pump water and sand down these wells, what comes up is very toxic," said Sierra Club Legislative Director Roger Downs.

The reason so many came to the Capitol on this day - because they want lawmakers to hear their arguments and because big decisions about the process are coming. The Department of Environmental Conservation will release a report in the next few months that could determine whether the drilling permit process will move forward after a state moratorium ends May 15th.

"Although we're in a unique position, we've got a de facto moratorium on drilling, there are still signs that the state would like to rush ahead with making it happen. We're here to say, don't let that happen," said Kate Sinding, Natural Resources Defense Council Senior Attorney.

"Follow the money," said Rema Loeb of Afton. "Who is going to get rich off this? And I'm not talking about the poor farmers."

"No one wants to pollute," said Jim Smith, of the Independent Oil and Gas Drillers Association of NY. "We all drink the same water. We want to operate safely in New York, and that's our message to the Legislature and governor."

Smith says drilling would be far safer than the protesters believe.

"What the industry is saying today in its letter to the governor and to all 212 members of the Legislature is to rely on the science of hydraulic fracturing, rely on the DEC's findings before making any decisions or passing any harmful legislation," he said.

This, as a group of downstate senators have introduced a package of legislation that they hope will add more regulations if passed and perhaps slow down the process going forward.

Senator Liz Krueger of Manhattan said, "In fact, the process of hydrofracking can cause enormous dangers and risks to the environment, most relevantly our water supply."

An issue with major implications for the environment, the economy, energy policy, and a debate where both sides say the science is on their side.