It appears that the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEC) will allow for hydro-fracking in much of New York State where shale deposits exist. Despite the attempt to suggest that protecting New York City and Syracuse's watersheds is sufficient, I would remind everyone that the single most important and scarce natural resource is clean fresh water.

Clean water is essential for all life whether human, animal or plant. The oil and gas industry has repeatedly proven its disregard for safety in its operations. There is no reason to believe that the hydro-fracking planned for shale deposits will be developed and maintained any differently. We may be able to identify alternative means of fueling our society but there is no alternative to water for our very existence.

Our concern should not only be about our watershed, but our food shed is equally important. Agriculture is one of New York's major industries and this presents a threat to that endeavor as well. While assurances are being given regarding the New York and Syracuse watersheds, there is no reason to suggest that some New Yorkers deserve protection of their water supply, but other New Yorkers should be left to the tender mercies of the oil and gas industry which has demonstrated an indifference to anything other than enormous profits.