Yoko Ono, son Sean Lennon announce anti-fracking coalition of artists in New York

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Actor and activist Mark Ruffalo, far left, Cornell University Professor Anthony Ingrafffea, second from left, and Yoko Ono, second from right, listens as Sean Lennon speaks during a press conference to launch a coalition of artists opposing hydraulic fracturing on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012 in New York. The formation of the group, called Artists Against Fracking, comes as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo decides whether to allow shale gas drilling using high-volume hydraulic fracturing called hydrofracking. The group says such drilling is harmful and poses the threat of contamination. They say they want to spread awareness of the issue through "peaceful democratic action." Cuomo is expected to allow drilling to begin on a limited basis near the Pennsylvania border. The group is comprised of 146 members including Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney and Alec Baldwin. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon are launching a coalition of artists, musicians and filmmakers who oppose hydraulic fracturing in New York state.

Ono, Lennon and Mark Ruffalo announced the formation of the group at a news conference Wednesday in Manhattan.

Artists Against Fracking includes big names like Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney and Alec Baldwin.

The group hopes to influence Gov. Andrew Cuomo (KWOH’-moh) as he decides whether to allow shale gas drilling using high-volume hydraulic fracturing, known as hydrofracking.

Ono and Lennon say the drilling can cause oil wells to leak harmful methane into public water supplies.

The group is calling on Cuomo to ban the practice in New York.

Cuomo is expected to allow drilling to begin on a limited basis near the Pennsylvania state line.

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