Assemblymember Cahill Votes to Protect Environment

All horizontal hydraulic fracturing In New York State will be halted until May 2011

November 30, 2010

Albany – Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) voted in favor of legislation (A.11443-B) that will suspend hydraulic fracturing along with the issuance of new permits for such drilling for the extraction of natural gas or oil until May 15, 2011. The bill, which passed the Assembly late Monday night, will give the Legislature additional time to consider the true environmental impacts of horizontal hydraulic fracturing and deliberate over the results Department of Environmental Conservation’s Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement.

“Since the beginning of the debate on this issue, I have been advocating for accountability within the Department of Environmental Conservation as it conducts a review of the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing and the extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale Shelf. It is critical that the state have the means and expertise to see that drilling is done safely. While developing our own natural resources would be a path toward energy independence we must make sure it is conducted in the best interests of the people of New York State,” said Assemblymember Cahill.

Generally, “hydro fracking” involves a process of injecting a fluid consisting of millions of gallons of water, sand, and multiple chemicals into a rock formation in order to create enough pressure to crack the rock and bring about gas or oil production.

Legislators were hesitant to move forward with hydro fracking for a number of reasons, chief among them being the recent staffing cuts to the DEC and the firing of former Commissioner Pete Grannis. Advocates for the moratorium were also skeptical of the amount of oversight that would be provided for this complex procedure.

“Nothing we have seen so far demonstrates that the regulatory process can adequately protect the drinking water supply New Yorkers count on,” stated Assemblymember Cahill. “Even if hydro fracking regulations are tough, the Department of Environmental Conservation does not even come remotely close to having the resources to enforce them. Decimated by layoffs, budget cuts and early retirements, the DEC is incapable of providing the level of support or expertise necessary to protect the people, lands and water of New York at this time.”

An additional concern for Assemblymember Cahill is the effects that this type of drilling may have on New York State’s water quality. The issue of contaminating the water table and incidences in other states frequently arose during the late-night debate.

The preliminary finding of the DEC is that hydro fracking inside and outside the New York City Watershed will be subject to two separate standards, based off a study that was solely performed in the city’s watershed. In response, Assemblymember Cahill has joined Assemblymember Barbara Lifton in sponsoring legislation that would provide for a single statewide standard for fracking (A.11494).

“The integrity of all of New York’s water supply is at stake and should be protected equally, regardless of the region. The only difference between the New York City watershed and the rest of the state is that it has been studied,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “I am opposed to a two-tiered system and am proud to have supported these important measures to ensure the protection of all New York State residents.”

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