Awaiting Release of Fracking Assessment, Green Watchdog Asks Gov Cuomo to Rely on Science, Not Gas Industry

ALBANY, NY (08/29/2011)(readMedia)-- Awaiting the public release of the Department of Environmental Conservation's revised Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS), the document that will guide gas drilling by means of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" in New York, Environmental Advocates of New York called on Governor Andrew Cuomo today to rely on science rather than the gas industry's false promises before opening the state to dirty drilling. The recent release of the U.S. Geological Survey's greatly reduced estimates of gas recoverable from the Marcellus Shale Formation brings this call into sharp focus.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to release the revised SGEIS this week, including the economic impacts of fracking on local governments, the subject of much dispute and debate.

"Almost every day new science and new facts come to light about the dangers of fracking. The U.S. Geological Survey's reduced estimate for recoverable gas from the Marcellus Shale is just the latest example of science that Governor Cuomo must consider before opening New York State to high volume horizontal fracking.

The state's fracking review is expected to weigh in at more than 1,000 pages. New Yorkers from Buffalo to Brighton Beach are asking Governor Cuomo to give people time to dig into the science of fracking and understand how state leaders intend to safeguard our waters and communities from the adverse effects of gas exploration. Limiting the public's sole opportunity to review this important and technical document to 60 days is irresponsible and inadequate. The gas will wait. It's not going anywhere."

To frack a gas well, millions of gallons of water, sand, and toxic chemicals are pumped deep underground at high pressure. This fractures the rock that has trapped the gas for millennia and allows it to escape. From start to finish, gas development that relies on fracking is an industrial process that poses a significant threat to our water. State after state, from Wyoming to Pennsylvania, has documented its dangers. New York can't afford to put short-term gas profits ahead of the long-term health of our water and our communities. Governor Cuomo must rely on independent and reliable science in deciding how and if fracking might go forward in New York. His decision cannot be based upon false promises and biased estimations of an industry he regulates. The public comment period for the SGEIS must be extended to 180 days to allow for more thorough scientific vetting of the process and more opportunity for public participation.

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Environmental Advocates of New York's mission is to protect our air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. We work to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's environmental community and to make our state a national leader. To learn more, visit www.eany.org.