Water Rangers to Host Toxic Fracking Cocktail Party Outside NYS Senate Chamber

ALBANY, NY (06/05/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York Water Rangers, a partnership of organizations working to protect the state's waters and communities from the dangers of industrial gas drilling by means of high volume hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," will host a Toxic Cocktail Party to underscore the need to close the hazardous waste loophole in state law. If Governor Cuomo allows fracking, one of the biggest challenges facing the state will be safely handling, treating, and disposing of fracking's toxic wastes. State law does not require the oil and gas industry to report with any specificity how much waste is created, what's in it, and how it's being disposed. Much of the waste resulting from fracking would be classified as hazardous if it were not exempt under state regulations.

Dressed as servers, the Water Rangers will serve a selection of mock fracking-themed cocktails to senators as they are called into Session.

WHO:

New York Water Rangers partners Katherine Nadeau of Environmental Advocates of New York, Nadia Steinzor with Earthworks Oil & Gas Accountability Project, David VanLuven with Environment New York, and Bill Cooke of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, will be joined by Roger Downs of Sierra Club-Atlantic Chapter. The Water Rangers have sent special invitations to members of the New York State Senate.

Senate sponsors of S.4616, legislation to close the hazardous waste loophole. Senators Mark Grisanti, Tony Avella, Liz Krueger, Mike Gianaris, and Jack Martins, have been invited to the cocktail party.
WHAT:

The gas industry is eager to drill in New York State using hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” But tragedies due to un- and poorly regulated fracking—including flammable tap water in Colorado, methane explosions in West Virginia, and poisoned water in Pennsylvania—show what could happen to New York if state leaders put short-term gas profits ahead of the long-term health of our water and our communities.
WHEN: Wednesday June 06, 2012 at 11:00AM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: Outside the Senate Majority Conference Room
NYS Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
NOTES:

The toxic cocktail party will begin when the New York State Senate is called into Session. The Water Rangers have tentatively scheduled tomorrow's event for 11am and will confirm the time when the schedule is announced.