Statement from Peter Kiernan, Counsel to the Governor

ALBANY, NY (12/11/2010)(readMedia)-- "Earlier today Governor David A. Paterson issued an Executive Order requiring the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to intensify its analysis of high-volume, horizontal hydraulic fracturing, stating that no permits could be issued for such drilling until July 1, 2011, at the earliest, if at all.

"The Governor emphasized that there must be absolutely no doubt that high-volume fracking is safe. The enormous revenues that could eventuate from such drilling would not be worth the cost of serious environmental harm. All available evidence, including data from other states, will be examined, the Governor said.

"The Governor vetoed legislation that would have placed a moratorium on high-volume, horizontal hydraulic drilling and more conventional vertical drilling. The Governor's order obviates the need for a moratorium on high-volume fracking. However, vertical drilling has been a fact in this State for 40 years without demonstrable environmental damage. Permitting for such drilling will continue unless the DEC's comprehensive review requires it to be stopped."

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