Fracking - Statement from Preservation League and Otsego 2000

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Otsego Lake, and the Glimmerglass Historic District, will no longer be threatened by hydrofracking.

ALBANY, NY (06/29/2015)(readMedia)-- "When it comes to the proposed industrialization of New York State's rural landscape, we've taken a strong stand for the protection of New York's historic and cultural assets," said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of New York State. "In 2012, the League listed the resources in the Marcellus and Utica Shale regions on our Seven to Save list of endangered places due to the threat posed by high-volume hydrofracking. For more than two years, the League has worked with local activists, delivered public testimony, and provided extensive comments in response to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation ("DEC") draft environmental impact study of the practice. We are pleased that the DEC has determined that New York State is no place for high-volume hydrofracking and all future uses of the practice will be banned."

"We were glad to learn that the DEC recommends the 'No-Action alternative' prohibiting high-volume hydraulic fracturing," said Ellen Pope, Executive Director of Otsego 2000. "The Findings Statement noted the challenges in protecting 'special places' - like Otsego County's nearly 25,000 acres of historic districts - from negative impacts associated with fracking. Communities that prize their rural atmosphere and pristine natural resources have enacted safeguards against the onslaught of industrial shale gas extraction, which threatens to devastate the landscape and waters and upend the quiet, rural character of their towns. Now, the DEC has found 'no feasible or prudent alternatives that would adequately avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts and that address the scientific uncertainties and risks to public health from this activity.' We commend the DEC for its attention to the historic and cultural resources of our hamlets and villages."