Assemblymember Gabryszak: Protecting Residents from Unknown Risks

March 6, 2013

“For many years, the issue of whether to allow horizontal hydrofracking in New York State has been a topic of contention. Hydrofracking has the potential to create enormous economic benefits for our state, however, the health and safety of our residents should be our number one concern. I voted in favor of the two-year moratorium on issuing permits because I believe we need to understand all the environmental impacts before we drill.

“Currently, we know very little about the long term affects that fracking will have on the environment and public health and if there will be any legacy costs associated with it. If New York is to allow hydrofracking, there needs to be a full disclosure of all chemicals that will be used. We also need to address the issue of waste water management. The state would have to adopt strict and thorough regulations to protect the health and safety of our citizens and our water supply.

“Environmental impact studies from The Department of Health and The Department of Environmental Conservation have not yet been released. I am in favor of taking additional time to review these studies to assess the impacts of these drilling techniques. I would have preferred that the moratorium be 12 months instead of two years with an option to extend it if needed. In the meantime, I think it’s important that we continue to explore alternative energy forms."

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