ALBANY, N.Y. -- Hundreds of environmentalists and politicians rallied at the state Capitol Monday, some calling for an end to natural gas drilling in the state, while others were out in support of the drilling.

The protests focused on drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation. The DEC says the shale holds at least 168 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Residents fear drilling regulations aren't strong enough and could be dangerous for the environment.

"We are saying the process is flawed and they have to start over, we are not going to let them roll over us," said Ramsay Adams, Catskill Mountainkeeper Executive Director.

"Those 809 pages the DEC has proposed are the toughest regulations in the nation and in the world," said Noel van Swol, Sullivan-Delaware Property Owners Association.

A spokesperson for the Governor says he is fully committed to protecting New York's environment and its drinking water.