IOGA Offers Two Easy Ways to Support Natural Gas Exploration

The public can sign a petition to DEC, or write to their state and federal lawmakers.

LAKE VIEW, NY (12/11/2009)(readMedia)-- The Independent Oil and Gas Association (IOGA of NY) is asking New Yorkers in support of natural gas exploration to fight back against the misleading tactics of environmental obstructionists by petitioning and writing New York's decision-makers.

A petition at www.marcellusfacts.com gives a voice to New Yorkers who understand that the exploring for clean-burning natural gas is a tremendous opportunity that will lead to greater energy independence for America, tens of thousands of jobs in New York and result in billions of dollars in state, regional and local economic impact. Visitors to www.Marcellusfacts.com can also send a letter to New York's Congressional delegation and state legislators.

But time is running out. The DEC is seeking comments until Dec. 31 on a revised Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS), which proposes stringent new regulatory standards to monitor natural gas exploration in the Marcellus Shale a deep rock formation that extends west from the Catskill Mountains to the Southern Tier and into Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It is America's largest natural gas deposit.

"Environmental extremists have poisoned the natural gas debate by implying that drilling operators will pollute our water and air, and ruin our landscape," said Brad Gill, executive director of IOGA of NY. "They have used bad science and twisted facts to oppose natural gas exploration."

The industry's outstanding 60-year safety record in New York, combined with the state's rigid environmental regulations, provides the public with the necessary assurances that natural gas exploration will be conducted safely.

Based on economic projections in Pennsylvania where the Marcellus is now being explored, IOGA of NY estimates that initial Marcellus Shale development in New York will generate more than $1.4 billion in annual economic impact, based on only 300 wells drilled. This includes more than $100 million in lease payments to landowners, $32 million in state tax revenue and tens of thousands of new jobs over time.

IOGA of NY is a trade association founded in 1980 to protect, foster and advance the common interests of oil and gas producers, professionals and related industries in the State of New York. Visit IOGA on the web at www.iogany.org.

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