NEW YORK STATE -- It looks like more New York State voters are supporting the idea of hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale.

According to a new Quinnipiac poll, 47 percent of voters surveyed are in favor of natural gas drilling, while 42 percent are opposed. The poll found that people like the potential economic benefits of drilling more than they fear the possible environmental concerns, with 75 percent saying they believe fracking would bring more jobs to the state.

The vice president at Norse Energy Company and representative of the Independent Oil and Gas Association, says that the growing support shows that New Yorkers are becoming more educated about the entire process.

"I think they're becoming better informed not only on the economic benefits, but first and foremost on the safety of the operation," Dennis Holbrook said.

The DEC recommends that the watersheds of New York City and Syracuse should be off limits to hydrofracking if drilling is approved.

The poll comes out just as a government panel is asking energy companies to reveal all the chemicals they use in the controversial gas drilling process.

The Department of Energy says they believe there is little risk to drinking water with the hydrofracking procedure. But the panel says there is no reason why companies can't disclose the ingredients.

Just this week, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli called for a fund to help pay for clean up from any potential environmental mishaps from fracking.

The energy panel was formed at the request of President Obama.

Hydraulic fracturing has been a hotly debated issue in New York State as a moratorium came to an end this month and the DEC has been working on regulations for the drilling.