This is why I think there is a small chance we could see New York split in two. Imagine what upper New York state would be like right now if it were a separate state--it would be economically booming because natural gas production using fracking technology would be all over the place--and all that natural gas would be shipped to New York City, which would allow NYC to get rid of burning polluting heating oil to heat the city's buildings.
Many moons ago, mentioning Upstatehood to local and state pols got you rolled eyes, laughter, and jokes about butterfly nets.
Now the state and local pols raise the subject first. And they AIN’T laughing.
My, how times have changed.