New York State Legislators Approve Two-Year Moratorium On ‘Fracking’ For Gas In The State

A Submission from the New York State citizens group New Yorkers Against Fracking

(A short foreword from Niagara At Large – The debate over whether or not to drill for gas in layers of shale below the surface grounds of New York State, using a controversial method known as “hydraulic fracturing” or “fracking for short, has been raging on in that state for at least two years now. And residents in Ontario ought to pay close attention, because the same debate may be coming to tracts of land near you.

Geological studies have shown that there is plenty of gas in the layers of shale below our feet in southern Ontario and there are already petroleum companies interested in exploiting those deposits. The question is – ‘What risks does this practice pose to human health and the environment?’ So keep an eye on this one. Stay tuned.)

Dear Friends:

Good news!  Our voices are being heard:  Yesterday, in an overwhelming 103-40 vote, the New York State Assembly passed a bill that mandates a two-year moratorium on fracking in order to allow studies on the health impacts of fracking. This is a clear recognition of our momentum and an auspicious sign for the days ahead.

While the curtain hasn’t fallen on this epic opera yet, the Assembly’s legislation moves us closer to the happy ending that we want: a complete ban on fracking in New York State. The bill sends a strong message to Governor Cuomo that the public health threats of fracking must be investigated before any decisions are made. Let’s be clear: This legislation would not have gone through – wouldn’t even have been considered – without you.  You made the calls, got on the bus, brought friends to rallies, pledged to resist, signed petitions, organized your communities, hand-lettered your signs, and chanted your lungs out.  To all New Yorkers Against Fracking, we salute you!

This movement to ban fracking in New York – our power, our coalition, our grassroots energy – brought us to this point, and it’s what will bring us to our ultimate victory.

We believe Speaker Silver and the Assembly were right to heed the calls of the people and take steps to protect New York.  We also believe that the science is on our side. If Governor Cuomo closely studies the health impacts of fracking and what has happened to people across this country, he will have no other option than to ban fracking.  In the words of DEC Commissioner Joseph Martens, “Obviously if there was a public health concern that could not be addressed we would not proceed.” Friends, we must hold Governor Cuomo to that commitment.

Much work lies ahead.  But for a moment – a brief moment – let’s celebrate the power of our voices and accomplishments they’ve wrought.

Please join us on a conference call next Thursday, March 14, at 7:00 pm. We’ll be discussing the bill’s implications and our next steps moving forward.   Here is the call in information:

DATE: Thursday March 14
TIME: 7:00 PM
CALL: 559-726-1200
CODE: 776632

Together we will win!  
New Yorkers Against Fracking was created when the need arose for a broad-based coalition of New York State residents to call for a ban on the dangerous and polluting practice of fracking. The coalition includes members from every part of the state and a diverse collection of consumer advocacy, health, religious, food, and environmental organizations and dozens of grassroots groups.

 (Visit Niagara At Large at www.niagaraatlarge.com for more news and commentary on matters of interest and concern to resident in our greater Niagara region and beyond.)