ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Experts reviewing the health effects of shale gas development in New York are among the nation's most prominent in environmental health.

And that's giving fracking opponents hope, but the industry concern, that reviewers will warn against drilling operations that use hydraulic fracturing.

The three experts may complete their review by Monday. At least one of them says that while she's aware some things have gone wrong in communities with shale gas drilling, the health and environmental damage from using gas for heat and fuel may not be as bad as burning coal.

Health professionals and environmental groups in New York asked for a comprehensive health study but, instead, environmental chief Joe Martens is having the state health department and outside experts review the Department of Environmental Conservation's own analysis.