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We have learned that another damaging environmental bill has passed both houses of our State legislature and has been sent to Governor Paterson. The bill is called "Environmental Conservation Law A10526" (S8169 in the Senate), but it appears that it would essentially allow for expanded natural gas drilling in upstate New York. Environmental groups are concerned about the impact on air and water, especially reservoirs that supply drinking water to New York City and other areas of the state.
The League of Conservation Voters opposes the bill:
http://www.nylcv.org/node/3931/print
Call Gov. Paterson: The bill is now with Governor Paterson and we have heard that he may decide whether to pass it as early as tomorrow, Wednesday, July 23rd. You can call the governor to ask him to veto A10526, natural gas drilling in NY, by dialing 518-474-8390. Let us know what happens: info-at-dfnyc.org (replace -at- with @).
We are still learning about this bill. It appears that there was very little public discussion of its impact, and no legislative hearing. It passed quickly, though there were a few legislators who voted against it. Essentially, due to new technology and rising energy prices, energy companies are seeking to drill for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation, which is located in Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and parts of western New York. The bill would clarify a current law about drilling by establishing spacing requirements for the “horizontal” drilling associated with natural gas. However, critics have argued that while clarification is needed, the bill has many problems and passed too quickly without communities and farmers understanding the effect it will have on the landscape.
We will update this page as we receive new information. If you are familiar with this legislation, please contact us at info-at-dfnyc.org (replace -at- with @).
Helpful links
NY Times article about farmers being approached for subsidies:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/nyregion29towns.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&oref=slogin
Catskill Mountain Keeper Description, with pictures and charts from the NY Times:
http://catskillmountainkeeper.org/node/290
Analysis of the bill by Professor Stanley R Scobie, PhD, Binghamton, NY (on the webpage of the Green Party of Chenango County)
http://chenangogreens.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=87&Itemid=60
Assembly bill status & text:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A10526
Assemblymembers votes:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S08169
Senate Bill text & votes:
http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menugetf.cgi (enter S8169-A)
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