Cuomo Applauded for Decision to Prohibit Fracking
After years of debate, demonstrations and questions, New York State will take action to ban hydraulic fracturing, it was announced last week.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will move forward in banning all large-scale fracking in five upstate counties that were considered as hosts after a report prepared by the state’s Department of Health cited concerns over possible health hazards caused by the release of natural gas from underground shale formations.
With the news, New York becomes the first state with major shale reserves to place a formal prohibition on fracking. Environmental groups and most state lawmakers in the area praised the governor’s decision.
Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-White Plains), who had long supported a fracking moratorium, commended the state Department of Health for its study of the health effects the last two years.
“The potential health risks associated with hydraulic fracturing have been found to outweigh the benefits,” Buchwald said. “Risking the health of our families is not an option, and that is why I support New York State’s decision to ban hydraulic fracturing.”
“New York got it right,” said Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Pleasantville). “A few temporary jobs are not worth risking the health and safety of local communities.”
Assemblywoman Sandy Galef (D-Ossining) also applauded Cuomo’s decision based on statements made by acting state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard A. Zucker, who found “significant public health risks” associated with fracking.
Nearly three years ago Galef visited Bradford County, Pa. to see firsthand the effects of fracking. During the tour, she met with residents to discuss the pros and cons of the impacts on local communities.
“I was happy and relieved to hear the Governor make this decision which aligns with my beliefs on the negative effects of hydrofracking as well as those of my constituents,” said Galef. “Thank you Governor.”
Putnam County Commissioner of Health Dr. Allen Beals agreed with the state health department’s findings, calling the study’s conclusion “straightforward.” Even though he supports using the state’s natural resources, it must be done in an “unequivocally” safe manner.
Hazards to the state’s water supply and greenhouse gases that could be released into the atmosphere currently make fracking unsafe, Beals noted. Anti-fracking advocates in the region were pleased with the decision.
Thomas Maxson of Highlands Hudson Preservation described the victory as “David vs. Goliath,” praising the grassroots movement that ultimately won out.
“It’s so widespread as far as the people who are opposed to fracking in the state and it’s a wide variety, (from) business people to environmentalists, who realize in the long run that that was not good business for New York State,” Maxson said.
Suzannah Glidden, the Westchester contact for the Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition (CWCWC), said last week’s announcement was ” a good first step” but the state must also address the runoff from fracking on the Pennsylvania side of the Marcellus Shale. She also warned that energy companies are still knocking at the state’s door looking to gain a foothold.
Despite the chorus of applause, there were critics of Cuomo’s action. Two Republicans, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Assemblyman Dr. Steve Katz (R-Yorktown). criticized the decision.
Astorino, who lost his gubernatorial bid to Cuomo last month, said New York’s future became “bleaker,” and accused the governor of playing politics with the economic outlook of the state.
“Natural gas exploration is being done safely in 35 other states under both Democrat and Republican governors,” Astorino said. “It’s supported by President Obama and senators Schumer and Gillibrand through guidelines already outlined by the EPA and other regulatory agencies. This ‘study’ is nothing more than a political document. ”
Katz said the state is content with “50 (out of 50) on every level economically and business wise.” Fracking in the state would open up the possibility of thousands of good paying jobs and would be a much needed shot in the arm for regions that are desperate for revenue, he said.
“This is a man who is absolutely driven to take this state down,” Katz said of Cuomo, adding he’s doing this as a favor to his former brother-in-law, environmentalist Robert Kennedy.
Katz added he does not believe there is validity to the state health department’s study because it runs counter to reports from other states and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Martin Wilbur contributed to this article.
