NY Water Rangers: Gov's Failure to Mention Fracking Could be Good News

ALBANY, NY (01/04/2012)(readMedia)-- In response to Governor Andrew Cuomo's 2012 State of the State address 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 called hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," released the following statement:

"Although included in public drafts of his written remarks, Governor Cuomo chose not to mention fracking in the spoken portion of his 2012 State of the State address. The New York Water Rangers hope this omission signals that he is heeding the call of tens of thousands of New Yorkers to slow the rush to drill, that his support for fracking is waning, and that the oil and gas industry's siren song regarding its economic benefits is no longer as alluring. In the Governor's written remarks, he indicated that, given the ongoing review of impacts and large number of public comments, no decisions have been made to permit fracking.

Without a hard, unbiased look at the health impacts of fracking, its cumulative impacts and costs to our communities, and a real plan for treating and disposing of the hundreds of millions of gallons of hazardous wastewater likely to result from fracking, Governor Cuomo and other state leaders cannot responsibly allow industrial gas drilling in New York.

The Governor now has the chance to become a hero and respond to the tens of thousands of New Yorkers concerned about fracking's dangers. The New York Water Rangers would welcome the opportunity to work with the Governor and the Department of Environmental Conservation to protect our water, air, and communities from industrial gas drilling."

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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, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper. Visit www.CleanWaterNotDirtyDrilling.org to learn more.