New Yorkers Chalk Up 2nd Victory in David v. Goliath Fracking Fight

In response to today's ruling by Justice Donald F. Cerio, Jr. for the Otsego County Supreme Court, the New York Water Rangers released the following statement:

"For the second time in one week, a state Supreme Court has ruled that state law does not prohibit communities from regulating the use of land by the oil and gas industry. New Yorkers in Middlefield, like their compatriots in Dryden, warmed up their slingshots and hoped for the best when they took aim and acted to prevent fracking for natural gas in their town.

The New York Water Rangers applaud the citizens of Middlefield and Dryden, NY, whose commitment to safeguarding their communities from fracking resulted in the zoning provisions upheld by the courts.

Like the Dryden ruling earlier this week, today's ruling in Town of Middlefield case proves again that ordinary citizens, and the local governments who listen to them, have power to determine the character of their communities for themselves."

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