ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – Gov. Larry Hogan says he supports banning hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in Maryland.

Hogan’s announcement Friday afternoon gives a strong boost to legislation to ban the drilling process known as fracking. The governor as recently as this week had said he was waiting to see what the legislature does.

The House of Delegates already has passed a bill to ban the practice. The Senate has legislation pending to either ban fracking or place a moratorium on it.

Hogan says he decided to support a ban after hearing about plans to put the matter on the ballot.

Fracking is not allowed now in Maryland. A state moratorium on issuing permits ends Oct. 1.

Opponents cite health and environmental concerns, but supporters say allowing the drilling would create jobs in western Maryland.

(photo: CNN)