This shale better watch its back. As public perception grows dimmer on shale drilling, more industry enemies are gathering in the shadows. Concerned with the effects drilling could have on local communities in New York and Pennsylvania, some state and local officials are talking about instating broad moratoriums in the Marcellus areas.

New York has already jumped on the ban-mobile. Reviewed in early August, a new bill has been passed by the New York Senate that looks to stop specific drilling projects in the state until May 2011. This slaps ...