FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 17, 2014

Speaker Silver Hails Decision to Ban High-Volume Horizontal Hydrofracking in New York


I and my Assembly Majority colleagues have long been opposed to allowing high-volume horizontal hydrofracking in New York without a comprehensive review of the potential health and environmental impacts. I commend Governor Cuomo and his administration for undertaking a rigorous and transparent review of this issue. I am pleased that scientific research - and not emotion - helped guide the decision to prohibit this technique in New York. The information presented at this time by Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens and Department of Health Acting Commissioner Howard Zucker clearly establishes that high-volume horizontal hydrofracking cannot be done safely in New York.

As we have said many times, the health and well-being of our citizens must always take precedence over industry profits. That is why we in the Assembly Majority have passed a moratorium on hydrofracking several times - because we have the responsibility to ensure that New Yorkers are not endangered, that our precious air and water are protected, and that the quality of life in our communities is preserved.

Again, I commend Governor Cuomo for his considered and careful approach to hydrofracking.