ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Environmental groups are praising state regulators for delaying a decision on shale gas development until a more in-depth health study is finished. But landowners eager to reap profits from their mineral resources are frustrated at another delay in a rulemaking process that has kept drilling on hold for 4 1/2 years.

Nick Schoonover, a landowner in southern New York who organized a coalition of landowners five years ago to pursue gas leases, said Tuesday the delay is irresponsible.