Vermont Gas Systems is inching forward with its plan to expand natural gas service to Addison County and points south, with the support of town officials.

Governor Peter Shumlin has signed into law a ban on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Shumlin said the ban was needed, even though Vermont doesn't have much of the shale rock targeted by energy companies for natural gas extraction.

Vermont is poised to become the first state to ban a controversial natural gas drilling technique known as fracking. The Legislature finished work on the measure Friday, and it's on its way to Gov. Peter Shumlin for his signature.