Governor Cuomo, NYS Senate Block Assembly Efforts to Study Fracking's Health Impacts

Groups Applaud NYS Assembly for Calling for Fracking Study

ALBANY, NY (03/26/2012)--In response to the release of relevant sections of the state budget for 2012-13, the New York Water Rangers, Frack Action, and Sierra Club-Atlantic Chapter released the following statement:

"Based on what we've seen of the state budget, New York's leaders should drop their false rhetoric of studying the science of fracking. By refusing to budget for an independent health impacts assessment, Governor Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader Skelos are ignoring the Medical Society of New York, the Academy of Family Physicians, the Nurses Association , the American Academy of Pediatrics District II, more than 250 physicians, scientists, and other healthcare experts and professional associations, tens of thousands of New Yorkers, and dozens of environmental groups who recognize the lack of such a study as a fatal flaw in the state's fracking plans.

The Governor insists that science will determine if New York State allows industrial gas drilling by means of fracking. But failing to study gas drilling's health impacts is another an example of science being ignored as negative heath effects among people and animals living near gas facilities have been documented nationwide, including as close as Pennsylvania.

The Assembly, particularly Speaker Silver, Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Sweeney, and Health Committee Chair Gottfried, deserve praise for calling for an independent study of fracking's health impacts.

It's not too late for our leaders to support an independent study of fracking's health impacts, which must be completed before a science-driven decision can be made about whether gas drilling is permitted in New York."


The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources-water-from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper.

NY Water Rangers & Allies Applaud Assembly on Fracking Health Study

Groups Praise NYS Senate & Assembly for Cutting Budget Transfer Language

ALBANY, NY (03/12/2012)--In response to the release of the State Senate and Assembly budget proposals, the New York Water Rangers, Catskill Citizens for Safe Energy, Damascus Citizens for Sustainability, Frack Action, Sullivan Area Citizens for Responsible Energy Development, and Westchester for Change released the following statement:

"Governor Cuomo insists that science is guiding the state's decision regarding whether industrial gas drilling by means of fracking will be permitted in New York. But to date, the state has failed to study fracking's health impacts--a glaring omission.

Following the recommendation of more than 250 physicians and health professionals, legislators in the Assembly, particularly Speaker Silver, Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Sweeney, and Health Committee Chair Gottfried, deserve praise for calling for an independent study of fracking's health impacts. The Assembly is leading the charge to provide state leaders with the science necessary to make an informed decision about gas drilling. A full assessment of fracking's health impacts must be completed before a decision can be made about whether gas drilling is permitted in New York.

Both the State Senate and the Assembly earned our thanks for cutting budget language that would give Governor Cuomo authority to transfer resources between state agencies without legislative oversight. The Governor should not have the power to single-handedly create a fracking program without input from the Legislature.

We now call on Governor Cuomo, the State Senate, and the Assembly to protect New Yorkers from the dangers of fracking by mandating an independent health study and keeping the enacted budget frack-free."


The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources-water-from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper.

In response to today's ruling by Justice Donald F. Cerio, Jr. for the Otsego County Supreme Court, the New York Water Rangers released the following statement:

"For the second time in one week, a state Supreme Court has ruled that state law does not prohibit communities from regulating the use of land by the oil and gas industry. New Yorkers in Middlefield, like their compatriots in Dryden, warmed up their slingshots and hoped for the best when they took aim and acted to prevent fracking for natural gas in their town.

The New York Water Rangers applaud the citizens of Middlefield and Dryden, NY, whose commitment to safeguarding their communities from fracking resulted in the zoning provisions upheld by the courts.

Like the Dryden ruling earlier this week, today's ruling in Town of Middlefield case proves again that ordinary citizens, and the local governments who listen to them, have power to determine the character of their communities for themselves."


The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources-water-from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper.

NY Water Rangers Applaud Court Ruling to Uphold Dryden Fracking Ban

ALBANY, NY (02/22/2012)--In response to the ruling by state Supreme Court Justice Phillip Rumsey, the New York Water Rangers released the following statement:

"The New York Water Rangers applaud the citizens of Dryden, NY, whose dedication to protecting their community from the dangers of industrial gas drilling resulted in a zoning amendment prohibiting gas development that was upheld in the Court's decision. In particular, the Water Rangers applaud the Dryden Resources Awareness Coalition, Helen and David Slottje of the Community Environmental Defense Council, Inc., and our water ranger partner, Earthjustice. We also commend the Town Board for listening to the people of Dryden and standing firm in defense of local zoning power in the face of a major industry attack.

The Town of Dryden has proven in court that ordinary people–not multinational energy companies–have power over the character of local communities. "


The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources-water-from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper.

NY Water Rangers Celebrate Assembly's Action to Close New York's Hazardous Waste Loophole

ALBANY, NY (02/13/2012)--In response to the State Assembly's approval today of a bill to close a loophole in state law that exempts waste from conventional gas drilling, as well as by means of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," from the state's hazardous waste laws, the New York Water Rangers released the following statement:

"The New York State Assembly, under Speaker Silver and Assemblyman Sweeney's leadership, took a critical step today to protect our water, families, and communities from fracking by closing a loophole that allows the gas industry to escape the state's hazardous waste laws. Requiring drillers to test, track, treat, and properly dispose of hazardous waste would finally bring the gas industry in line with every other hazardous waste-producing industry in New York.

Without this bill, the Department of Environmental Conservation will continue to impose a blanket loophole, which allows all oil and gas drillers to avoid hazardous waste laws, even when drilling wastes are hazardous. In practice this means hazardous wastes could be disposed of at municipal sewage plants ill-prepared to remove fracking chemicals or drilling-related toxins, spread on roadways, and even dumped in local landfills. To protect our communities from fracking, the New York Water Rangers call on the State Senate to pass the bill and send it to Governor Cuomo's desk. "

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The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources-water-from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper. Visit www.CleanWaterNotDirtyDrilling.org to learn more.

NY Water Rangers Encouraged by Gov Cuomo's Frack-Free Budget Proposal

ALBANY, NY (01/17/2012)—In response to the release of Governor Andrew Cuomo's Executive Budget Proposal for 2012–2013 today, the New York Water Rangers, a partnership of environmental and community groups working to protect the state's waters and communities from the dangers of industrial gas drilling by means of hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," released the following statement:
  
"Governor Cuomo has clearly taken his foot off the gas pedal and appears to be taking to heart the state’s obligation to conduct a thorough environmental review before deciding whether to proceed with industrial gas development by means of fracking in New York. By not including industry-exaggerated fracking revenue or ramping up agency staff to process drilling permits, the Governor's budget proposal signals that he’s not rushing to judgment and is giving the Department of Environmental Conservation the time necessary to review and respond to the more than 40,000 comments the agency has received on the state's fracking proposals.
  
The New York Water Rangers are encouraged by the executive budget proposal and Governor Cuomo's recent statements on fracking, which demonstrate he's adopted a more responsible approach to considering the issue."
  
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The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources—water—from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000 and Riverkeeper.

Water Rangers Echo U.S. EPA Criticisms of NYS Fracking Proposals

 

ALBANY, NY (01/12/2012)--In response to the release of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's comments on the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's proposals to guide industrial gas drilling called 'fracking,' the New York Water Rangers released the following statement:

"Like Congressman Maurice Hinchey and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the US Environmental Protection Agency has identified significant flaws in the state's fracking proposals, particularly inadequate plans to treat hazardous wastewater, questions about unsafe levels of radiation in fracking waste, and the absence of any consideration of the environmental impacts of the infrastructure associated with fracking, such as pipelines and compressor stations. The EPA went so far as to recommended again that the Public Service Commission be made a party to the proceedings to assess and mitigate potential negative impacts.

The Water Rangers, a partnership of environmental and community groups working to protect New York's waters and communities from the dangers of fracking, identified the 'Top 10' Flaws in the state's fracking proposals last year, including the state's failure to analyze health impacts or assess the costs related to fracking. The groups contend that without a hard, unbiased look at such omissions, as well as those referenced by Congressman Hinchey, the DEP and the EPA, Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature cannot responsibly allow industrial gas drilling in New York."

 

 

The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources--water--from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated, and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper. For more information, visit www.CleanWaterNotDirtyDrilling.org.

 

NY Water Rangers Deliver 12,000+ Comments & Letters Detailing Fracking Concerns to Gov Cuomo & DEC

Near Close of Comment Period on State’s Fracking Proposals, Water Rangers Call on DEC, Gov Cuomo to Fix Flaws

(ALBANY, NY)—On the eve of the close of the public comment period on New York State’s fracking proposals, the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) revised draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement (SGEIS), draft regulations, and draft stormwater permit, environmental groups hand-delivered more than 12,000 comments, nearly 500 letters, and a petition with more than 20,000 signatures from New Yorkers concerned about fracking to the agency and Governor Cuomo. 

The 12,587 previously un-submitted comments and nearly 500 personal letters, from members of Citizens Campaign for the Environment (446 comments and 498 letters), Earthjustice (5103), Earthworks (858), Environmental Advocates of New York (1,380), National Wildlife Federation (2,300), and Sierra Club-Atlantic Chapter (2,500), describe significant flaws in the state’s proposals to oversee industrial gas drilling using high volume horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” The comments delivered today are in addition to the 18,100 comments already received by the DEC, per Gannett News Service. The agency received approximately 13,000 comments on the first draft of the SGEIS in 2009, a record for the agency at the time.  

“The comment period on New York’s flawed fracking proposals is almost over, but our fight to protect our waters and communities goes on,” said Katherine Nadeau, Water & Natural Resources Program Director, Environmental Advocates of New York. “The Water Rangers call on Governor Cuomo and the Department of Environmental Conservation to address the concerns identified by New Yorkers from Buffalo to Watertown and Brooklyn before deciding when, where, how and if fracking takes place.”

“The proposal to hydro-frack New York has elicited unprecedented public participation that the Governor cannot ignore,” said Sarah Eckel, Legislative & Policy Director, CCE, “Among  the letters being generated CCE has sent in over 20,000 signatures; and CCE’s members and supporters have written over 6,000 letters to the Governor and DEC during this comment period. The sustained and increased public participation demanding clean air, land, and water; and proof that Governor Cuomo and New York State are going to protect the people should show the Governor and DEC that there is no rush to drill and the public wants long-term meaningful protections.”

“Scientists, health professionals, and tens of thousands of New Yorkers have spoken. And they are rightly concerned about the state’s flawed plan to allow fracking in New York,” said Bridget Lee, an attorney with Earthjustice, a non-profit environmental law firm. More than 5,000 Earthjustice supporters submitted comments on the state’s plan. “The Governor should heed these concerns and order officials to revise the plan accordingly. He has a duty both to help the state withstand legal scrutiny, and, more importantly to protect the health of his constituents.”

“The failure to calculate the costs New Yorkers will pay for hydraulic fracturing is inexcusable. The costs to public health as cancer and immune disorder clusters spread, the costs of emergency response, the costs of loss of watershed, the costs of construction of frack waste disposal plants, air emissions clean–up, the value of the loss of historic tourism, agriculture, endangered and threatened species, fishing and hunting grounds are in fact staggering. The only reason hydraulic fracturing can be seriously considered is because the industry plans to drop these on the shoulders of New Yorkers. This cannot be tolerated,” said Nicole Dillingham, President Otsego 2000.

“New Yorkers keep telling Governor Cuomo and the DEC to do what it takes to safeguard air and water quality and public health from the impacts of dirty energy development; tens of thousands of comments should make them listen,” said Nadia Steinzor, Marcellus Regional Organizer for Earthworks. “Rather than fast-tracking regulations and ignoring critical issues in the SGEIS, they should seize this opportunity for New York to become a model of protection.”

According to Kate Hudson, Watershed Program Director, Riverkeeper, “DEC’s revised environmental review still fails to provide the facts and science necessary to show that fracking can be done safely and would be a net positive for the state’s economy and its upstate communities. DEC has admitted that its socioeconomic impact study is so flawed that it must be revised. There are good reasons to believe, based on the experiences of other states across the country, that fracking would do real and significant damage to New York’s environment, public health, community character, and even economy.  Unless and until these concerns are fully addressed, fracking should not be allowed to move forward in New York.”

The Water Rangers, a partnership of environmental and community groups working to protect the state's waters and communities from the dangers of industrial gas drilling and fracking, identified the “Top 10” Flaws in the state’s fracking proposals, including the state’s failure to analyze health impacts, assess the costs related to fracking, or undertake a cumulative impact analysis. The groups contend that without a hard, unbiased look at the health impacts of fracking, its cumulative impacts and costs to our communities, and a real plan for treating and disposing of the hundreds of millions of gallons of hazardous wastewater likely to result, the Governor and State Legislature cannot responsibly allow industrial gas drilling in New York. 

Click here for a complete list of the top 10 defects in the state’s fracking proposals as identified by the New York Water Rangers.


The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources-water-from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated, and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper. For more information, visit www.CleanWaterNotDirtyDrilling.org.

Water Rangers Launch Video Urging Governor Cuomo to Choose NY's Water over Gas Industry

New Yorkers Looking for a Hero to Protect Water & Communities from Fracking

ALBANY, NY (01/03/2012)--The New York Water Rangers, a partnership of environmental and community groups working to protect the state's waters and communities from the dangers of industrial gas drilling called hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," today are launching a TV commercial designed to get the issue some much-deserved attention. Click here to see the video.

"Just like the tens of thousands of New Yorkers calling on Governor Cuomo and other state leaders to slow the rush to 'frack' for the gas trapped under our feet, this six-foot-three water ranger demands your attention and respect. And while this particular New York Water Ranger is funny, fracking is not," said Rob Moore, Executive Director, Environmental Advocates of New York. "All eyes are on Albany, watching and waiting for state leaders to act responsibly rather than open the floodgates to the gas industry."

Starting today, the spot will air in Albany during the final week of the public comment period on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) draft drilling proposals, the revised draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement and proposed regulations, both of which would guide fracking if it's permitted in the Empire State. The comment period ends on January 11, 2012.

Actor Adam Lefevre plays a Water Ranger in the commercial, testing New York's waters, scanning maps of proposed fracking sites, and visiting drill rigs. Lefevre has appeared on Law & Order and its spinoff series 12 times, in addition to roles in films such as Philadelphia, The Bonfire of the Vanities, and She's Out of My League, among many others.

"I was born in Albany and New York State is my home. Right now, nothing concerns me more than what fracking could do to the quality of our world-class water. Not to mention the impact thousands of drill rigs, and the truck traffic that accompanies them, could have on New York's unique community character," said Lefevre. "Before Governor Cuomo and our other state leaders let this genie out of the bottle, we better know what we're getting ourselves into."

The video will air on select programs, including "The Daily Show," "Colbert Report," "Rachel Maddow," and "Morning Joe." The gas industry has invested heavily on ad placements on MSNBC and the major networks in the New York State Capital, and across the state. According to The New York Times, the gas industry has spent millions of dollars on high-paid lobbyists and advertising since 2009, when the battle over fracking in New York State began in earnest.

"We are approaching the time when Governor Cuomo must make critical decisions as to whether, and if so how, potentially dangerous new fracking might be permitted in New York," said Kate Sinding, Senior Attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. "It is imperative that he hears the public's urgent call that he be a hero by not going down the path that has led to reckless drilling and contaminated water supplies in other states."

The commercial was created by Room 5 Films, a New York City-based production company that produces narrative and documentary films, commercials and internet content. Two directors, Heather Smith and Greg Loser directed the spot. Susan Zimet (Zimet Group, Inc.) executive produced the video, as well as purchased the media time for the commercial, which was supported by several New York Water Rangers partners, including Catskill Mountainkeeper, Environmental Advocates of New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Riverkeeper. The groups spent approximately $8,000 to air the video.

"While this commercial has a humorous tone to it, the message is deadly serious. Overnight the pristine landscape we love can be scarred with this intensive industry destroying our view shed as well as all the other destructive side effects of fracking. Governor Cuomo can be a true hero worldwide if he stops fracking from getting a foothold in our state," said Susan Zimet, Zimet Group. Inc.




FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For more information: Erica Ringewald, Environmental Advocates of New York, (518) 210-9903; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Susan Zimet, Zimet Group, (845) 255-2117 or (845) 527-5309(c)

The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources-water-from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated, and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper.