On Wednesday, November 16, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) held its first public hearing on the draft plan that could guide industrial gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” if it’s permitted.

Hundreds of people descended on Dansville, NY, to share their concerns with the state’s environmental agency. The hearing was so well-attended that more than 100 folks didn’t get a chance to speak!

On Thursday, November 17, the DEC held the second fracking hearing in Binghamton. And much like the Dansville hearing, New Yorkers concerned about the potential impacts of industrial gas drilling in their communities packed the hearing.

According to our staff who attended both hearings, New Yorkers against fracking outnumbered those who support it by more than two to one.

Two hearings remain: November 29th in Sullivan County, and November 30th in NYC. Click here for details.

But that’s not all that happened this week.

At the fall meeting of the New York State Democratic State Committee on the 17th, a kerfuffle erupted when a resolution that would require a more careful study of fracking was tabled, leading some Albany insiders to wonder if a select few elected officials are preparing to buck their higher ups and put the brakes on industrial gas drilling. 

Click here to read more.

Last but not least, also on Thursday, the Delaware River Basin Commission cancelled its November 21st meeting, which means its members will not vote on proposed fracking regulations for the Delaware River Valley. The announcement closely followed the news that Delaware plans to vote ‘no’ on the regulations. The meeting has not been rescheduled.

And while this isn’t a clear cut victory for folks concerned about fracking dangers, it does send a message—elected officials and state leaders are starting to listen to their constituents’ concerns about industrial gas drilling.

And in a preview of this Sunday’s New York Times, this week’s Sunday magazine features an in-depth look at fracking in Pennsylvania. It’s definitely a must-read, and worth sharing with your friends and neighbors. Click here to read the story.