Corwin Blasts Majority For Bringing To Vote One-House Bill Full Of Technical Errors, Ban On All Types Of Natural Gas Drilling

March 6, 2013

Assemblywoman Jane Corwin (R,C,I-Clarence) today led the debate on one-house legislation, Assembly Bill 5424-A, that would ban all types of drilling for wells for natural gas extraction, including methods that are currently safely in use.

“Frankly, I am disappointed that this legislation was even allowed to come up for a vote,” said Corwin. “This bill inadvertently bans new permits on all types of drilling, including those that already are being safely used in my district. The people of New York need safe, reliable and affordable energy and this legislation, which is a one-house bill and full of errors, takes that away.”

During today’s debate, Assemblywoman Corwin questioned the bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, regarding the intention of the bill and the fact that the bill’s language bans the issuance of permits for all forms of natural gas extraction. Assemblyman Sweeney replied that while the bill language does make that ban, it was not his intention and stated that the Legislature would have to revisit the legislation at a later date to clarify the errors.

In addition to these concerns, Assemblywoman Corwin also expressed concern about the duplicative measures in the bill that call for yet another study to be commissioned on the effects of hydrofracking. In addition to the 2009 state Department of Environmental Conservation study on the impacts of hydrofracking, the Department of Health (DOH) is already conducting another comprehensive environmental health impact study, which is close to being finalized. However, instead of waiting for the $100,000 DOH study to be finalized, the bill voted on today commissions another study by the State University of New York (SUNY).

The legislation imposes a ban on the issuance of new permits until after the conclusion of the SUNY study, which will include a new public comment period and public hearings, putting all forms of hydraulic fracturing, including the safe and currently-in-use horizontal fracking, even further from realization. Currently, the only form of natural gas drilling which is of concern is high-volume horizontal drilling.

In New York State, natural gas drilling has been successfully used as a source of safe, affordable energy for both residential and business purposes. Since the first well was dug in Fredonia, New York in 1821, more than 75,000 wells have been dug throughout New York State, with roughly 14,000 still in use today. In 2008, the economic impact of well development was $3.1 million with an additional $14.6 million for local government tax revenue and $61 million in revenue to landowners. According to the Manhattan Institute, New York State’s decision to stall drilling has resulted in the state missing out on an average of 31 jobs and $5.46 million per prospective well. Additionally, the Public Policy Institute estimates that by stalling natural gas extraction further, New York State will lose $11 billion in economic output by 2020.

Corwin said, “I support a diversified energy policy that creates competition and gives New York State ratepayers the most efficient, clean and affordable energy possible. This includes clean energy initiatives that will ultimately create sustainable energy sources that will benefit our economy and environment for our children’s future. However, having a diverse American-produced energy portfolio will allow time to properly research, develop and maximize the use of renewable and clean energy sources, in addition to protecting residents and businesses across the state from unpredictable events that may spike certain energy commodity prices in the region or country.”

Corwin continued, “In Western New York, natural gas has been a solution for our energy needs and, moreover, it has been an emerging economic engine that is helping to restore our regional economy. This legislation, full of flaws, puts a stop to all of that progress. While I understand the need to make informed decisions, I find it insulting that the Assembly Majority takes a selective approach; while they have been sitting on natural gas for more than four years, they have no problem passing other vital bills that negatively impact the constitutional rights of citizens, without any further study or consideration. It is a shame that this bill was allowed to come up for a vote and is a waste of taxpayer dollars.”

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