New Yorkers favor the economic benefits of “fracking” for natural gas more than they fear its environmental impact, according to a Quinnipiac poll released yesterday.

Voters support drilling in the Marcellus Shale, one of the world’s richest natural-gas deposits, 47 to 42 percent. A majority of Republicans and men said the state should drill; most Democrats and women are opposed because of environmental concerns. Nearly 60 percent say there should be a new tax on drilling companies.