Statement of Brad Gill, Executive Director of the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York (IOGA-NY)

LAKEVIEW, NY (10/29/2008)(readMedia)-- In response to the program, "Making Sure We Get It Right: Health, Land, Law & Natural Gas Production" I would like to commend Broome County Municipal Leaders and Officials for meeting to discuss the important topic of natural gas exploration; I just wish our Association, the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York (IOGA-NY) had the opportunity to formally contribute to the discussion. I believe that our testimony would have greatly contributed to the program.

Over the past few months, there has been much miscommunication and misinformation circulating in regard to natural gas exploration, specifically the process of horizontal drilling as well as hydraulic fracturing. It is our goal, as an Association, to help clarify these misconceptions by providing accurate information on the natural gas exploration process.

Natural gas drilling is not new to New York. In fact it began in 1821 and there are currently 14,000 active gas wells in New York. To date, there have been no instances of environmental hazards as a result of the existing drilling as the industry takes safety and adherence to New York's strict regulatory requirements, protecting our environment, most seriously.

As local residents and businesspersons who work in the natural gas drilling profession, we understand the concerns of our communities and will continue to work to assure the public that natural gas exploration is now and will continue to be executed in the safest possible manner.

Drilling in the Marcellus Shale presents a wonderful economic development opportunity for New York. We look forward to working with Municipal Leaders and Officials to ensure that this process will continue to be undertaken responsibly while safeguarding our environment.

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