NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A1265
SPONSOR: Ortiz (MS) TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in
relation to prohibiting the use of certain fracing solutions
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: Companies that engage in the
extraction of oil and natural gas employ a technique known as "hydraulic
fracturing", which involves injecting "fracing solution" into rock
formations surrounding oil and gas deposits in order to expand the rock
and facilitate extraction of the oil and/or gas. The purpose of this
bill is to require companies to use non-toxic fracing solution in this
process, as part of a greater initiative to improve and maintain the
natural beauty and ecosystem of the State of New York, in addition to
safeguarding the health and safety of New York's citizens
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: The environmental law is amended by
adding a new section 23-0505
JUSTIFICATION: Fracing solutions currently used by energy companies
typically contain diesel and toxic substances such as benzene, ethyl
benzene, toluene, and xylene. These substances are carcinogenic and can
cause mutation in both human and animal life, leading to health compli-
cations which can prove to be hereditary. This risk is all the greater
when oil or gas extraction is taking place near a waterway. Energy
companies have the ability to utilize fracing solutions which are based
on citrus oils or other organic materials, and which are non-toxic.
Passage of this bill would mandate the use of such organic solution, and
prohibit the use of toxic solution, thereby alleviating a serious risk
to public health
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2007/08 - A11606 - Ref to Environmental
Conservation
2009/10 - A6953 - Ref to Environmental Conservation
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None
EFFECTIVE DATE: This act shall take effect on the one hundred eight-
ieth day after it shall have become a law.
