Before the hearing began, Sandra Steingraber, a leader of New Yorkers Against Fracking, confronted Martens and demanded the environmental review and regulations be put on hold and a comprehensive health impact analysis be done by an independent investigator.

WSJ: DEC head: No 'timetable' on NY fracking decision

"Commissioner Shah is correct that the state needs to take the time to do a comprehensive study of the health effects of fracking to protect the public health, " said biologist Sandra Steingraber, a leader of the anti-fracking movement.

WSJ: NY health chief: Longer gas-drilling study needed