Marcellus Shale Debate at the Linda

ALBANY, NY (01/14/2010)(readMedia)-- The proposed drilling of the Marcellus Shale formation has been one of the most controversial topics on the environmental front in years. Gas drillers say that billions of dollars worth of natural gas must be reached. Some politicians say the state is sitting on the solution to many of its financial woes. Environmentalists fear the hydrofracking process that is used to reach the gas, and they say that the polluted water that results from the process poses a public health threat.

On Monday, January 25th at 11 a.m., WAMC will once again tackle a topic of great controversy, the Marcellus Shale issue, as part of its 2010 debate series at the Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio.

"I've been at WAMC for a long time now, and I have never seen a reaction to a proposed policy like the one we have seen over the Marcellus Shale drilling question," Alan Chartock, President & CEO of WAMC Northeast Public Radio, said. "WAMC has always tried to be at the forefront when it comes to presenting information on all sides of an issue. We are pleased to be continuing in that tradition."

There will be two representatives from each side. Confirmed participants are: Director David Gahl, Environmental Activists of New York public policy director, Dr. Bob Howarth, Professor of Ecology and Environmental Biology at Cornell University, Dr. Bruce Selleck, Professor of Geology at Colgate, and John Conrad, president of Poughkeepsie-based Conrad Geoscience Corp. Albany Times-Union reporter Casey Seiler will represent the press on the panel and Alan Chartock will moderate.

The program will last one-hour with an opportunity for questions and answers. Doors will open at 10 a.m. and reservations are suggested. Call 518-465-5233 x145 to reserve your seat. Admission is FREE. The Linda is located at 318 Central Avenue, Albany, NY.

WAMC Northeast Public Radio broadcasts 24 hours a day with information and cultural programming from stations reaching parts of seven northeastern states. WAMC is an award winning producer of regionally based programming. WAMC is also a member station of National Public Radio and is affiliated with Public Radio International and American Public Media. Listen online anytime at: http://www.wamc.org/