Groups to Lawmakers: Do Not Stand in the Way of Expanded Natural Gas Exploration

Thirty-three organizations ask Legislature to reject moratorium bills

ALBANY, NY (06/23/2010)(readMedia)-- A coalition of business and economic development groups, led by the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York, today appealed to the New York State Legislature to oppose legislation to establish a statutory moratorium on gas drilling in New York.

Thirty-three groups, including chambers of commerce and other pro-business and pro-taxpayer groups, implored lawmakers to allow the State Department of Environmental Conservation to complete its review of the environmental impact statement governing natural gas exploration.

"We need your support for this compelling economic development opportunity, one that could benefit the State and localities significantly for years to come," the groups wrote. "We believe that the way forward to the safe development of the Marcellus Shale is now clear. We should embrace our state's ability to bring New York-produced gas to New York customers, and by so doing create new opportunity and prosperity in our own state."

One bill, A.10490-A (Englebright)/ S.7592-A (Addabbo), would impose a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing until 120 days after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency completes yet another study on the technique. Another bill, S.8129-B (Thompson)/ A.11443-B (Sweeney) would block all permits for horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale until at least May 15, 2011.

The Marcellus is perhaps the largest natural gas reserve in the United States with the potential to dramatically increase America's energy independence while vastly improving economic recovery and job creation.

"We ask you to let the process proceed with the DEC continuing the review and revisions to the SGEIS. There are no permits being issued at this time. There is no need for a statutory moratorium," the signers wrote. "We believe that New York cannot afford to turn away or postpone the tremendous opportunity for economic resurgence and a clean energy supply presented by the Marcellus Shale."

To view the letter, visit www.marcellusfacts.com.

Supporting Organizations include:

Independent Gas & Oil Association of NY

Delaware County Board of Supervisors

Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce

Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce

Independent Power Producers of NY

Manufacturers Association of Central New York

National Federation of Independent Business

New York Construction Materials Association

New York State Economic Development Council

New York State Petroleum Council

New York State Motor Truck Association

Railroads of New York, Inc.

Southern Tier Economic Group

The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

Unshackle Upstate

Finger Lakes Railway

The New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway Corporation

Owego Harford Railway

Delaware & Hudson Railway/Canadian Pacific Railway

Clarendon & Pittsford Railroad Company

New York & Ogdensburg Railroad Company

Northeast Gas Association

Joint Landowners Coalition of New York, Inc.

B & H Rail Corporation/Livonia, Avon, Lakeville Railroad Corporation

Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad Company

Chesapeake Energy Corporation

Energy In Depth

New York & Atlantic Railway

New York Building Congress

Associated General Contractors of NYS

New York & Lake Erie Railroad

Marcellus Shale Coalition

New York State Pipe Trades Association