Albany, Dec 17 — Hydrofracking, a process that uses water, sand and chemicals pumped into the ground at a high pressure to release natural gas, will be banned in New York State. Governor Andrew Cuomo cited a studies conducted by Acting NYS Health Commissioner Howard Zucker in making the decision.
“I have considered all of the data and find significant questions and risks to public health which as of yet are unanswered,” said Zucker. “I think it would be reckless to proceed in New York until more authoritative research is done. I asked myself, ‘would I let my family live in a community with fracking?’ The answer is no. I therefore cannot recommend anyone else’s family to live in such a community either.”
“As an original co-sponsor of the bill that would institute a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing I applaud the NYS Acting Department of Health Commissioner Zucker and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Martens for recommending that hydrofracking not proceed in New York State,” said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester). Prior to becoming the youngest senator in the history of the state, Carlucci came out against hydrofracking in a June, 2010 op-ed. “Their recommendation will protect our environment for generations to come,” he said.
“The decision implies that at least 30 other states, Sen. Schumer and the Environmental Protection Agency are wrong about the health impacts and do not care about the well-being of millions of American citizens, and discounts the successes that are occurring in Pennsylvania and elsewhere,” said NYS Republican Senate co-leader Dean Skelos. (Source: TimesUnion.com)
“For the past six years, DEC has examined the significant environmental impacts that could result from high-volume hydraulic fracturing,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said. “DEC’s own review identified dozens of potential significant adverse impacts of HVHF. Further, with the exclusion of sensitive natural, cultural and historic resources and the increasing number of towns that have enacted bans and moratoria, the risks substantially outweigh any potential economic benefits of HVHF,” he said.
“High-volume horizontal hydrofracking currently presents a real threat to our health, our air and water quality, and our very quality of life in New York State,” said Assemblymember Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern). “We can’t cut corners today on protecting the safety and health of all New Yorkers for the sake of profit. The cost is simply too high to pay. Again, I commend the Governor for taking this crucial step to ban fracking in New York State.”
“Governor Cuomo’s action shows that New York families, teachers, roads and good-paying jobs have lost out to political gamesmanship,” said American Petroleum Institute New York State Petroleum Council Executive Director Karen Moreau. “This is the wrong direction for New York.” (Source: AuburnPub.com)
See also:
- Acting DOH Commissioner Zucker Recommends Activity Should Not Move Forward in New York State, 12/17/2014
- Oil and Water Don’t Mix, David Carlucci, 6/30/2010
- It Takes A Village: Hydro Fracking Explained (cartoon)
- Fearing Frackingstein, 4/6/2011
Illustration by Kipp Jarden ©2011
