NY Water Rangers Encouraged by Gov Cuomo's Frack-Free Budget Proposal

ALBANY, NY (01/17/2012)(readMedia)-- In response to the release of Governor Andrew Cuomo's Executive Budget Proposal for 2012–2013 today, the New York Water Rangers, a partnership of environmental and community groups working to protect the state's waters and communities from the dangers of industrial gas drilling by means of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," released the following statement:

"Governor Cuomo has clearly taken his foot off the gas pedal and appears to be taking to heart the state's obligation to conduct a thorough environmental review before deciding whether to proceed with industrial gas development by means of fracking in New York. By not including industry-exaggerated fracking revenue or ramping up agency staff to process drilling permits, the Governor's budget proposal signals that he's not rushing to judgment and is giving the Department of Environmental Conservation the time necessary to review and respond to the more than 40,000 comments the agency has received on the state's fracking proposals.

The New York Water Rangers are encouraged by the executive budget proposal and Governor Cuomo's recent statements on fracking, which demonstrate he's adopted a more responsible approach to considering the issue."

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Erica Ringewald, Environmental Advocates of New York, 518-210-9903 or eringewald@eany.org

Sarah Eckel, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, (518) 339-2853 or seckel@citizenscampaign.org

Nadia Steinzor, Earthworks, (315) 677-4111 or nsteinzor@earthworks.org

Tina Posterli, Riverkeeper, (914) 478-4501 x 239 or tposterli@riverkeeper.org

The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources-water-from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000 and Riverkeeper.