Whatever the result, the split among the industry critics reflects how the opposition has exponentially hardened since fracking emerged as a statewide issue in 2008.

In October 2012, a sociology student described the situation as "very worrying," noting that the opposition "is hardening its stance and the government doesn't seem to be listening."

It is also clear that support of personal accounts has maybe slightly increased, but opposition has hardened substantially.

If anything, public opposition to a war has hardened here.

The unions keep pressing their 35-hour goal, and employers' opposition has hardened.

But the opposition has hardened its stance, particularly since a gunman killed three people at an antigovernment rally on Friday.

Doctors will consider striking against the Government's NHS reforms as opposition to the changes within the medical profession hardens.

They remained firm; if anything their opposition had hardened, particularly against the Education Committee who they saw as pushing them around.

In the last six years, political, labor and religious leaders here say, opposition to the military regime has hardened.

And opposition had hardened at the two national teachers unions.