Groups to Thank NYS Assembly for Passing "Timeout" for Fracking for Natural Gas

ALBANY, NY (11/30/2010)(readMedia)-- Today environmental groups will thank the New York State Assembly for passing legislation that would suspend Department of Environmental Conservation-issued permits for the practice of hydraulic fracturing, often called "fracking," for natural gas until May 15, 2011. The groups will be joined by the sponsor of the bill, Assemblyman Bob Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst).

The State Senate passed the bill to formally bar the DEC from issuing permits for the practice earlier this year. It now awaits Governor Paterson's signature.

WHO:

Confirmed speakers include Assemblyman Sweeney and representatives from Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Environmental Advocates of New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Sierra Club-Atlantic Chapter. Assembly members Lifton, Kavanagh, Englebright, Glick, Rosenthal and Jaffe have been invited to attend.
WHAT:

New York is a battleground in the national debate about natural gas drilling and an environmentally dangerous technique for extracting gas from underground shale deposits known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Fracking-related accidents across the country have contaminated drinking water, created air quality hazards and violations, and polluted streams.
WHEN: Tuesday November 30, 2010 at 02:30PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: Main Lobby
Front of Assembly Chamber
NYS Capitol
Albany, New York 12204